Written By: Felecia Causey
Last year, I decided to make some big changes in how I relate to others. I stopped putting extra effort into relationships that weren't reciprocal, and I started setting boundaries with people who didn't prioritize me the way I prioritized them. It made me question why I always seemed to be the one giving more love and forgiveness.
I'm on a journey of learning to be more mindful and follow God's guidance. It's a work in progress! A big part of this has been setting boundaries and realizing that not everyone deserves my time and energy. I've encountered some really unpleasant people, and I admit, I haven't always responded perfectly. I'm learning that not every action requires a reaction. Sometimes, people are just unaware of their impact, or maybe they simply don't care.
I’ve also learned that I can't expect others to mirror my empathy and compassion. I've had some honest talks with my kids about kindness—being kind until it's no longer safe to be. It's a delicate balance: teaching them to love and treat others well, while also protecting themselves in a world that can be pretty harsh. Unfortunately, some people are just not kind and have ulterior motives.
It's made me appreciate the small, close-knit circle I have even more. I'm always open with my kids about life, even if everyone doesn’t agree with my approach. I believe in raising them to be the best versions of themselves, to be kind, and to have compassion.
Recently, coaching youth soccer has been an eye-opener. I've seen some truly awful behavior from adults, especially referees! The way some adults treat children is just shocking. I would *never* treat a child that way. I've even had experiences with a club coach who showed blatant favoritism and was just generally awful. It was incredibly upsetting. I'd never do anything to hurt a kid.
This month, I'll be sharing more about motherhood, including the heartbreaking reality of adult bullying. The point is, just because *you* have a loving heart doesn't mean everyone else does. It’s okay to protect your heart and set boundaries.
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