Embracing the Serenity Within

Sherly Rahayu
4 min readJun 12, 2023

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In our quest for connection and companionship, it is easy to find ourselves relying on others to fulfill our needs for friendship, support, and love.

However, true fulfillment comes from developing self-reliance and understanding when to walk away from relationships that does not serves us and made us feels like we are hard to love. In this blog post, I would like to share the lesson I learned about the importance of not begging for connections, learning to recognize bad treatment, avoiding falling in love with potential, and embracing a realistic perspective on relationships. I will also delve into the transformative power of embracing solitude and the valuable lessons learned from the painful experiences I’ve experienced.

The Lessons Learned:

  1. Seeking Authentic Connections: Building genuine connections starts with valuing yourself and understanding your worth. Instead of begging for connections, focus on fostering relationships that are based on mutual respect, shared interests, and meaningful communication. Authentic connections thrive when both parties actively contribute and invest in the relationship, rather than relying on one person to do all the work.
  2. Recognizing Toxic Patterns: It can be challenging to walk away from relationships that no longer serve us, especially when we’ve invested time and emotions. However, it is crucial to recognize and address toxic patterns, such as constant disrespect, manipulation, or emotional abuse. Acknowledging these patterns empowers you to prioritize your well-being and walk away from harmful connections.
  3. Setting Boundaries: Establishing healthy boundaries is essential in any relationship. Learn to communicate your needs and expectations clearly. By doing so, you create an environment that encourages respect, honesty, and reciprocity. Those who truly value and respect you will understand and honor your boundaries, fostering healthier and more fulfilling connections.
  4. Overcoming the Potential Trap: Often, we find ourselves falling in love with the potential of a person rather than accepting them as they are. While it’s natural to see the best in others, it’s important to balance this optimism with a realistic perspective. Look beyond what someone could be and evaluate their present actions, behavior, and treatment towards you. Remember, a healthy relationship should be built on the foundation of who someone is today, rather than what they might become in the future. Action speaks louder than words
  5. Self-Reflection and Growth: When faced with mistreatment or unfulfilling connections, it’s crucial to engage in self-reflection. Understand why you’ve been begging for connections, making excuses, or falling in love with potential. Are there underlying insecurities or fears driving these behaviors? By addressing these issues, you can embark on a journey of personal growth, self-acceptance, and improved decision-making in relationships.

Embracing Solitude and Valuing Genuine Connections:

In 2022, I experienced a relationship that made me question my worth and myself. It was a hurtful realization, but I am thankful for that experience because it allowed me to think in a more logical manner and see things as they truly are. Through this process, I learned to enjoy solitude more than ever before. Even if I had a chance to turn back time, I would choose not to change anything in 2022 leading to 2023. Despite the pain and hurtful experiences resulting from my recent breakup, and the emotional abuse I endured, I realized that those experiences led me to learn about the beauty of solitude and appreciate connections that are genuinely meaningful.

By letting go of toxic relationships and nurturing genuine connections, I discovered the true power of solitude. I found solace and strength in spending time with myself, engaging in self-reflection, and pursuing my passions without the need for external validation or companionship.

Moreover, I witnessed the unwavering support and care of friends who stood by me during my most vulnerable moments. These connections proved to be genuine and meaningful, and I learned to value them deeply.

Conclusion: Learning not to beg for connections, recognizing toxic relationships, and embracing a realistic perspective has been a transformative journey. By setting boundaries, valuing oneself, and being mindful of the present, we can cultivate authentic connections that uplift us.

Additionally, the beauty of solitude should not be underestimated. Through moments of self-reflection and self-care, we can find strength, independence, and the opportunity for personal growth.

While painful experiences may shake our trust, they also offer profound lessons. They teach us about our resilience, the importance of self-love, and the significance of surrounding ourselves with those who genuinely care for our well-being.

As we navigate the complexities of relationships, let us prioritize our own self-worth, embrace solitude, and foster connections that are based on respect, support, and authenticity. In doing so, we create a fulfilling and meaningful life, surrounded by those who uplift and cherish us for who we truly are.🩷

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Sherly Rahayu
Sherly Rahayu

Written by Sherly Rahayu

ENFJ-T. Writing is my therapy and my escape, and through my personal reflections, I hope to offer insight, comfort, and inspiration to those who read them.

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