Which relationship has taught you the most about yourself?

View all responses

The Relationship That Taught Me the Most About Myself

If I had to choose one relationship that has taught me the most about myself, I would probably have to say the relationship I have with me.

It has taken me a long time to understand who I am.

For years, I was so busy being somebody’s mother, daughter, friend, partner, employee, and the person everybody could count on that I didn’t always stop to ask myself:

“But who are you?”

I’ve learned that I can love people deeply without losing myself in them.

I’ve learned that being independent doesn’t mean I don’t need anyone.

I’ve learned that boundaries don’t make me difficult.

That saying no doesn’t make me selfish.

That I can forgive someone and still decide they no longer belong in the same place in my life.

I’ve learned that sometimes I stayed too long because I was paying attention to someone’s potential instead of what was actually happening.

I’ve learned that I don’t have to prove my worth by how much I can endure.

And perhaps one of the biggest lessons has been learning to give myself some of the same grace I spent years giving everybody else.

I’m still learning me.

At 60, I don’t have myself completely figured out.

And honestly?

I’m okay with that.

There are still things I’m discovering.

Things I’m unlearning.

Things I’m healing.

Things I’m finally giving myself permission to want.

Maybe that’s one of the beautiful things about getting older.

You stop being so concerned with who everyone else thinks you should be and start becoming more comfortable with who God created you to be.

So which relationship has taught me the most about myself?

The one I have with myself.

Every relationship I’ve ever had has taught me something about love, boundaries, forgiveness, patience, strength, vulnerability, and who I am.

But in this season, the relationship I’m determined to nurture is the one I have with me.

Because I’m going to be with her for the rest of my life.

Thinking out loud…

Maybe self-discovery isn’t about finding someone who completes you.

Maybe it’s about finally getting to know the person who has been walking with you through every season of your life.