Protecting Your Peace: The Shift That Changed Everything

For a long time, I was carrying weight that wasn’t mine. Not because I went looking for drama, but because people projected it onto me. Their feelings, their judgments, their expectations, when I didn’t show up the way they thought I should, suddenly I was the problem.

At first, I let it get to me. I questioned myself, wondered if I should do more, be more, give more, just to keep the peace. But here’s what I learned: no matter what you do, someone will always have an opinion. And bending yourself to meet other people’s expectations only pulls you further away from who you’re meant to be.

The turning point came when I got serious about my goals. I realised that pouring my energy into other people’s drama was costing me the very future I was trying to build. Their opinions weren’t helping me grow, they weren’t moving me forward, and they certainly weren’t adding peace to my life. So why was I giving them so much power?

Then loss entered my life, and that changed everything. When you experience death around you, it shakes you to the core. It forces you to confront what really matters and what doesn’t. And I realised quickly: my time and energy are too valuable to waste on relationships or situations that don’t uplift me.

That’s when I started asking myself this one simple question:

Regardless of who this person is, family, friend, or colleague, what do they bring to my life?

• Do they bring joy, peace, and uplifting energy?

• Or do they bring drama, envy, and a negative drain?

The answer to that question gave me clarity. It gave me permission to release the guilt, to stop shrinking myself to meet expectations, and to start protecting my peace like my future depended on it, because it does.

However, what I realised was peace isn’t something you stumble upon. Peace is something you guard, intentionally and unapologetically.

And when you choose to protect your peace, you gain the focus, the energy, and the strength to keep moving toward the life you’re meant to create.

Reflection for You

Take a few minutes today and journal on this question:

👉 Who in my life consistently brings me peace, joy, and support, and who leaves me feeling drained, small, or unsettled?

Notice what comes up. The answers will show you where to invest more of your energy, and where to start setting boundaries to protect your peace.

As I once heard Robin Sharma say - “It doesn’t matter who they are to you, you can love them from afar”.

I know there are so many perspectives on protecting your peace, and I’d love to hear yours. 🌿

Have you faced similar challenges? What shifts have helped you stay grounded?

Share your story in a post and tag me @theindianlifecoach I’d love to celebrate your wins and insights.

Let’s keep learning, growing, and protecting our peace together. 👇🏽