LIFE / WISDOM

How Do We Navigate This World Unscathed And Wisely?

How to draw healthy boundaries for our good?

“Three things in the world worth having: courage, good sense, caution.” — Yoruban proverb

I was told to be kind; for it always comes back to me

But I got cheated, next time I will be more selective

Not everyone deserves it

Some may even endanger me

Draw boundaries

I was told to be helpful

But I was labeled as a busybody

Next time I will figure out if they need help

They may not need it as what they appear to be

They may not even like it

They may have hidden agenda

This is just their orchestrated scheme

Your help could have throttled their scheme

Know your boundaries

I was told to be honest

But I got myself into trouble at times

Maybe honesty has its time and place, too

It could be a double-edged sword

Am I willing to pay for the price?

Is it worth it?

Can I be honest without being in trouble?

Know your limits

I was told to be my authentic self

But I was labeled as self-centered

Humans are not born perfect

I have flaws that need to be refined first

Before being my authentic self

I was told love is pure and unconditional

But I was bruised here and there

Unconditional love is as rare as a pink diamond

It’s more on what each party brings to the table

There’s nothing wrong with that

It’s just the way this world is

Everything needs to have boundaries to a different degree

I can’t be sacrificing myself all the time

Be brave to say ‘No’ when needed

My №1 love is loving myself

Self-love is my faithful unconditional love

It pivots me to living my authentic life

I hold Kindness in my left hand and Coldness in my right hand

I use them on a case-to-case basis

Firstly — is it good for me*? Secondly — is it good for others?

Will this endanger me? Is it worth my kindness and help?

Are there other ways to help without putting myself at risk?

What price am I willing to pay should things go wrong?

Win-win is my aim

I still believe in kindness

It’s just that I'll be more careful not to hurt myself

“One must not have the intention to harm others, but guarding against others is a must” — Chinese proverb

* ‘ Is it good for me?’ includes positive emotions when helping someone or random acts of kindness. When I help people without harming myself it makes me feel good which is good for me.

This is inspired by a real-life story about the sympathy and goodwill of a couple that was taken advantage of which ends up harming themselves.