Many people’s first impression of me is often quiet or reserved. No one’s ever called me ‘guarded,’ but I know I am. I used to believe being guarded was a weakness. Now, I recognize it as one of my strengths. I protect my heart because it’s sacred to me. I’m not an open book. I’m a limited edition. Only a few know my story.
Quality Vs Quantity
Some people are like open books, but I have learned to accept that I am not as revealing. I tend to be cautious around new people and selective about who I let into my life. While it does limit the number of relationships I have, it also creates space for quality relationships. For me, it’s the depth of my relationships that matters to me most. I’d rather preserve my heart for people who can handle it with care.
Self-Acceptance
I have always admired people who open up effortlessly and wished I could be the same way. However, I realize that I can open up at my own pace. I don’t have to be like everyone because I am a unique person. If being open is admirable, being cautious is wise. I’d rather be wise because that serves me better than being liked. My quiet demeanor allows me to be thoughtful, curious, and considerate. These are traits that I appreciate about myself.
Self-Protection
Being guarded has protected me through the years. While it hasn’t prevented heartbreak, it has helped me maintain my self-respect. This guard allows me to let go of unfulfilling relationships, to be more intentional, and to recognize when I deserve better. It’s a protective part of myself that I want to keep. This protection is loving, and I am grateful for it. I realized being protective of myself is a form of self-love.
Self-Reflection
I often think about letting my guard down more. While I believe it helps keep out the wrong people, I wonder if it also keeps out the right ones. I value quality over quantity but wonder if lowering my guard could allow me to have both. Could I have quality and quantity? I’m not opposed to taking that risk; I just want to be ready before I do.
Now that I’ve shared one way I protect myself, I’d love to hear about yours. The part of yourself that you may judge is probably a form of self-protection. I used to judge how guarded I was because I didn’t realize how this quality served me. But, I have learned that protection is love and not to take this part of myself for granted.