The Paradox

“I am the softest and most ruthless I have ever been.” -Unknown

Ok I hear me out. I know what you are thinking, “How can you be soft AND ruthless AT THE SAME TIME”? LOL! I know it sounds crazy but it makes perfect sense to me. Let me explain….

I’m currently in a season where I’m not trying to be “chosen”. I’m doing the choosing. So does that make me ruthless or more soft? Both, actually.

I’m ruthless. By definition, to be ruthless is to have no pity. And while on it’s face that appears harsh, I think it’s beneficial to take that approach in some aspects of your life. One of those being setting AND enforcing boundaries. I’ve always been a proponent of setting/enforcing boundaries, with EVERYONE.

For example, I’m moving more authentically and in doing that I’m not entertaining who and what doesn’t align with the life I want to live right now. This is causing me to be even more “‘ruthless” as it pertains to my boundaries. What I’ve learned is that boundaries are a great litmus test for how much we love and respect ourselves. And if we want love and respect from others in return, we have to set the stage for that…and be steadfast and “ruthless” in doing so.

Photographer: James Pennie

I am soft. I remain open to LOVE, and not just romantic love. There is love all around me. I see it and feel it…in my daughter’s hugs, in the laughter shared amongst me and my “sister circle”, in the helping hand of friends. Love surrounds me AND love is in me. It softens me. When the world would have me become a hardened, cynic, I feel the love surrounding me and am softened …and as such I become receptive to more love…

“There are a lot of things you can give up on in this life, but love is not one of them. “ “The Pivot Year”, Brianna West.

Feel me?

-Chic-a, The Self-Love Advocate

P.S. If this resonates with you, comment and share. 😊

Photographer: James Pennie