I love them, but They’re on their own path.

How cruel — to forbid people to want what they think is good for them. And yet that's just what you won't let them do when you get angry at their behavior. They're drawn toward what they think is good for them.

— But it's not good for them.

Then show them that. Prove it to them. Instead of losing your temper.

Marcus Aurelius

Currently, in my life, I have been presented with a complicated dynamic within a personal relationship. How confused my mind and heart have been. How someone whom I believe to be close to often left me in a state of puzzlement. Every time I thought I knew the picture of the puzzle, a new piece would throw me off. Frustration would naturally emerge. From this mysterious person, you see, my ego and values were at odds.

I wanted to believe in my heart that I could follow through with the identity I prefer: one who understands and shows unconditional love. However, my saddened ego would reveal itself and want to reflect their behavior. That's where the frustration would come in. To have someone in your life who makes you see the side of you that you don't want to show. You can't help but ask, Is this person worth these internal battles?

All in all, both sides of my identity are trying to protect me. However, each time I would convince myself to act with my ego, I would be halted. My higher self would step in, reminding myself that if I'm going to model love, compassion, and inner strength, it’s not about control.

As I read the above from Mediations, I thought about my own situation. This quote appeared before me, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of understanding. That I am annoyed. But even if I act the way they do, I know I wouldn't feel satisfied. Actually, I believe I would feel worse. Because then my consciousness kicks in, telling me that I need to be better. To show healthy, unconditional love. Because at the end of the day, I know they deserve that too.

That's when it dawned on me that this appears to be a prominent situation that many are going through. In the current political climate, many relationships are being unraveled with frustration. Hearts are heavy. And the weight is causing exhaustion.

How challenging it is to know someone needs love, but no matter how unconditional you are, it doesn't appear to be enough.

I suppose that's my reminder to you:

You can set boundaries without punishing.

You can step back without closing your heart.

You can love unconditionally and let go of control.

I think you're learning how to do that in real-time— painfully, imperfectly, beautifully.

My only Tip would be:

Taking emotional distance without bitterness. You can stop investing energy, but you don’t stop wishing them well.

Remind yourself:

“I love them, but I don’t need to fix them. They’re on their own path.”

My motto, always:

Open Mind = Open Heart 🫰

You are love.

Love