A Year Full of Knowingness

In the quiet stillness of 3 AM, I find myself reflecting on a year filled with an abundance of knowingness. It’s in these early morning hours that I’ve come to truly grasp the significance of self-care and setting boundaries, and why being unapologetically ourselves is not just a choice, but a vital necessity for our mental health and energy.

As a writer, I’ve often felt the tug of external expectations and the desire to conform to others’ standards. But over the past year, I’ve learned that my mental well-being and creative spirit thrive when I prioritize self-care and honor my authenticity.

Self-care is not indulgence; it’s a lifeline. It’s about recognizing that we can’t pour from an empty cup, and the only way to help others and create meaningful work is by first nurturing ourselves. Whether it’s taking a quiet moment to read, practicing yoga, or simply sipping a cup of tea in the predawn stillness, these small acts of self-care rejuvenate the soul and empower us to face the world with renewed vigor.

Setting boundaries, on the other hand, is an act of self-preservation. It’s acknowledging that we have limits, and respecting those limits is essential to maintaining our mental and emotional health. Saying “no” when we need to, or simply creating a protective buffer between ourselves and the demands of the world, is not a selfish act. It’s a courageous declaration of self-worth.

To be unapologetically ourselves is perhaps the most liberating gift we can give to our own hearts. Embracing our quirks, passions, and unique perspectives is a radical act of self-love. It’s a declaration that we won’t mold ourselves to fit someone else’s vision of who we should be. In a world that often pushes conformity, being unapologetically ourselves is a form of rebellion, a protest against the suppression of our true selves.

So, as I sit here in the stillness of 3 AM, I know that self-care and setting boundaries are not luxuries, but necessities. They are the keys to preserving our mental health and energy, and they allow us to shine as our most authentic selves. This year, I’ve learned that the greatest knowingness of all is the deep understanding that to be unapologetically myself is the path to a fuller, more vibrant life.