Monitoring others’ emotions and actions isn’t my responsibility anymore.
As a child, hypervigilance kept me safe.
[Thank you, hypervigilance, for keeping me safe when I needed it.] Now I let go of my need to monitor the subtleties on other people’s actions, words, and facial expressions.
I no longer depend on others for my safety and well being. I take good care of myself.
I opt out of situations and people that cause unease inside me. I opt in to relationships and people that are predictable, reliable, trustworthy, generous, and safe.
I take care of myself in wew ways–not through hypervigilance–but through honoring myself and my body. I can relax fully knowing I have my best interest in mind, knowing I will protect and advocate for myself.
I have firm boundaries. I know where I end and others begin.
I am only responsible for my own emotions and reactions–not those of the people around me.
I don’t need to look externally to take care of myself internally.
(from the archives)