It’s true that in the modern world, there are so many damn distractions. You’re sidetracked by the Facebook posts, the Instagram lives, and the Tik Toks that tell you you’re brushing your teeth wrong. We spend so much time listening to influencers we forget our greatest influence: ourselves.

One of the greatest blessings we have in this life is the ability to chart our own course. We each are born with the cushions of our family, friends, and our teachers. From there, we learn the building blocks to what makes our life complete. Then, we get to build the structure we want to call home, the person we want to truly be.

It’s true that in the modern world, there are so many damn distractions. You’re sidetracked by the Facebook posts, the Instagram lives, and the Tik Toks that tell you you’re brushing your teeth wrong. We spend so much time listening to influencers we forget our greatest influence: ourselves.

No matter where you are on the journey to who you truly are, it’s never too late to pick up the treasure map and get started. At first, you will find yourself alone. If you were too deep into the jungles of social expectations, you will struggle to untangle yourself from the vines of unbalanced friendships, people who expect you to bend over backward — so far you break your own back helping them.

Once you’re cut off the vines and you’ve snipped yourself free, you dust yourself off. You might shed a tear or two out of relief. You’re out of the vines, but you’re not out of the woods.

Where do you go when you don’t know where to go? How do you find your way back to yourself, to the person that you worked so hard to build up the first few times?

No matter how long ago it was, find something you love. Hang out with someone you love and feel safe around. Spend time focusing on feeling good. Laugh your hardest, eat your favorite foods, and visit your favorite places. In the depths of all that you are nostalgic for, you will definitely find something that will spark your interest and show you the way to you.

The chances are that before you set your boundaries, you ended up spending so much time with others that you forgot who you were. It happens, and it isn’t pleasant. But you now have the time to spend with yourself. Take some time to take a walk in the park. Meditate. Journal and dive deep into your desires. Pay attention to your needs and repair what might have been broken.

Once you find yourself again, don’t let yourself disappear in the woods again. No one deserves to spend their lives tied up and at the will of others. No matter what’s holding you back and what toxic relations you have in your life, take a second and recognize what you need. Identify and respect your own boundaries.

Say no to tasks you don’t feel connected to. Measure your duties wisely and carefully. Never let anyone let you feel inferior.

Boundaries are essential and part of what keeps us sane. You deserve a happy life, and one filled with joy and fun. Don’t let anyone take that away from you. Live your best life and stay close to what you love, and you’ll always find happiness throughout your many years.