I have been supportive and have listened to others compassionately because I believe it is the right way to live. However, I realized that I had become a doormat or a trash can of complaining and boasting for those people. I'd listened to them kindly and comforted them. However, when I only occasionally wanted them to listen to what I was going through or expressed my feelings or hopes to them, they responded with heartless replies or just took it out on me.
If I show them kindness, they are not kind to me, rather they are sarcastic. It was a sad experience. As I spent time thinking about this, the last lily bud opened a brilliant flower. It was just a week after my birthday flower arrangement arrived.
It was as if the lily was waiting for the best time. It has been saving its strength and preparing for a week in the intense heat of this summer, and now it has blossomed magnificently.
The next morning, I took some more pictures.
The lilies, blooming large and strong, replaced the other flowers that were weakening in the summer heat. Their beauty seemed to ease my sadness over not being treated kindly by those I had been kind to.
It is not a mistake that I have been purely kind to people. However, I am now at a turning point in my life. Down the road, I can have the courage to distance myself from those who are not kind or mean to me.
The lilies bloom gentle yet strong, just like the strength I find within myself.
From this day forward, I will dedicate all my limited time to myself and those who care about me.
I am worthy. I deserve respect.
I reclaim my voice with the lilies' blessing, letting go of hurt at life's turning point.
