When you work for a business that teaches all things emotions, you’re bound to learn a bit more about your own. This has certainly been the case for me and my time with Centrd Life.

I’ve always been an anxious person. It’s easy for me to come up with a scenario in my head and let it morph into a runaway train. I have a hard time with uncertainty. People-pleasing is my default, and I feel guilty way too easily. 

I started on my own emotional and mental health journey right around the time I started university. In the decade since then, I’ve grown and evolved and discovered that I’m capable of handling things that once would have flattened me.

Self-growth has stayed important to me. Working with Centrd Life, though, has completely changed how I look at my own journey. 

Centrd Life taught me that how I am isn’t how I always have to be. Emotions, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors aren’t static. Pain and discomfort are inevitable, but they also don’t last forever. I can handle all emotions that come my way. I don’t need to fear the unknown. 

Through Centrd Life, I’ve learned how to cope with those difficult emotions and look at them with curiosity. When I feel triggered, rather than beating myself up for not being strong enough or for being “irrational,” I can instead look at why I’m feeling that way. I can see my emotions as part of my story, part of the big beautiful canvas of my life. 

The most important thing Centrd life has taught me, though, is how to be comfortable setting boundaries. For so long I thought that limiting people’s access to me and my emotions was an act of selfishness. I placed my worth in my ability to sacrifice my own needs for others, and wore my people-pleasing as a badge of honor. It felt noble that I could put someone else before me. But it didn’t make me feel good. It made me feel bitter and resentful, and angry with myself for not being able to speak up.

I realize now that boundaries are just a way to show people how I need to be loved. It’s a way to make sure I can be the best version of myself and have my own needs met to show up fully for others. Boundaries are also how I can ensure that the people I keep respect and value me in my life. Boundaries aren’t selfish, and I don’t need to feel guilty for putting myself first. 

I’ve loved working with Centrd Life, and it brings me joy to know that I’ve helped so many others learn more about their emotions. Though I’ll be stepping away from the business, I’m enormously grateful for the lessons Centrd Life has brought me, and I’m excited to continue along on the journey from the other side.