History as we experience it, is bound to repeat itself. When it comes to my own life, I simply hope to protect my health, my family and my future path. Now, I strive to ensure that my own past cycles are not repeated.

I have always been empathetic, aiming to keep others either happy, sometimes sacrificing my own peace in the process. I have consciously aimed recently to choose and be more selective—drawing more rigid boundaries.

If there is one lesson I have learned in graduate school, my ability to listen, is certainly a good trait. It is a more refined skill to actively listen and be able to reflectively repsond. To not take on the emotional toll, to be self-aware and to evolve.

While I acknowledge that it feels that I may be losing part of myself. This year in 2026, I am resolved to focus on what is important. Drawing simple boundaries that protect my peace and resilience. Caring what others think to a certain degree, but being able to say f this and follow my own path. I used to be one to share information freely for example. Now I choose how to respond, carefully. Ultimately, this has been extremely freeing.

Old wounds might not heal perfectly. This year I realize that my own history is saced. I share in layers in a way, ensuring the person that I share with has earned the right to hear my story with through trust and understanding.

Another boundary would be that I would drop everything, even if it meant sacrificing myself because my own self-worth was tied to being “useful”. Now I will be checking in on my own battery before commitment. Being at my best is the most helpful thing I can offer. To myself, my family, my friends, my career.

Setting boundaries isnt about building a fortress to keep others out. Its about creating a space where I can be my most resilient self, to continue to grow. By keeping these boundaries I am honoring past versions of me, my own history by giving my past protection it always deserved. History has its eyes on me and it is solely up to me to protect my future.

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