open dyslexic mode

For someone like me — a sensitive soul, a non-confrontational person, a lifelong public pleaser — reinforcing boundaries isn’t just uncomfortable... it feels unnatural.

I wasn’t just taught to put my needs aside growing up — I was often punished for even hinting at them. And so, as an adult, setting boundaries can feel like I’m breaking some unspoken contract I never agreed to.

But lately, I’ve reached a point where I simply can’t keep my eyes closed to what’s happening — even if staying silent feels safer.

🧊 Here’s the example:
I was allocated 5 hours of home support care per week due to health issues. But soon after we began, the support worker started cutting corners — regularly staying only 30 minutes and leaving, sometimes while I was in the bathroom, without even checking in. She still charged for the full 2 hours.

When I raised it with her manager, I was met with polite dismissal.

And so for weeks, I tried to “manage it nicely.” I gave chances. I stayed understanding of their emotional comfort, while internally, I was crying. Exhausted. Embarrassed. Trying to make it work without being “difficult.”

But something shifted.

After months of discomfort, I finally drew a clear line. I spoke up. Assertively. I stated my expectations. I followed up. And when I was dismissed again, I escalated — all the way to the CEO — and shared exactly how unacceptable this was.

And you know what?
I’m proud of myself.

Yes, I still feel shaky. Yes, my inner child is terrified I’ve “made trouble.”
But I know I’m growing.
I’m learning to advocate not just for others (that was never the problem), but for myself.

And that’s not just boundary-setting.
That’s healing.

#Boundaries #TraumaHealing #Advocacy #SelfGrowth #CPTSD #HealingJourney #UnmutedGold #PeoplePleaser