You used to need everyone to like you.
You managed their perceptions.
You softened your edges.
You performed the version of yourself
that would be most acceptable.
But it was exhausting.
And unsustainable.
The need for universal approval
is a prison with no escape.
Because no matter how well you perform,
someone will always misunderstand you.
This week, allow one person to misunderstand you.
Without correcting. Without overexplaining.
Without chasing their approval.
Let them think what they think.
You know who you are.
And that is enough.
You are not responsible for everyone's perception of you.
You are only responsible for your integrity.