No More
There are people who don’t ruin your holidays because they’re confused…
They ruin them because they’re not the center of them.
And the Bible already warned you about this.
It said there would be people who are lovers of themselves…
Ungrateful…
Without love…
Always turning everything back to them.
So it’s not that you’re “too much” for wanting joy.
It’s that they are too self-focused to participate in it.
And here’s the shift:
You stop asking,
“Why don’t they care how I feel?”
And you start seeing clearly:
They’re not built to.
That’s discernment.
That’s grown-woman vision.
That’s Hebrews 5:14 in real life.
So now you don’t beg for better holidays…
You protect your peace.
Because love celebrates you.
Love honors what matters to you.
Love shows up with you.
And anything that consistently steals that?
That’s not love.
That’s a red flag God already told you about.
During holiday seasons, it's common to encounter people whose attitude and behavior can dampen our joy and peace. From my experience, the key to maintaining emotional well-being during these times lies in recognizing that some individuals are too self-focused to truly participate in the joy others seek. This realization—grounded in the wisdom of discernment—is crucial. I've found that when others consistently act selfishly, turning every situation back to themselves, it's not about you being "too much" for wanting happiness or connection; rather, it's that they lack the capacity or willingness to engage authentically. This distinction helped me stop questioning my feelings of hurt or disappointment and instead focus on protecting my own peace. The concept of protecting peace means setting boundaries around those who disrupt your joy. True love, especially during meaningful gatherings, should celebrate and honor what matters to you. It should be present and supportive. Anything else—constant criticism, neglect, or selfish behavior—is a red flag to recognize and respect. In practical terms, this might mean limiting time spent with certain people or managing expectations so that you don't feel drained emotionally. It can also involve cultivating relationships with those who reciprocate care and kindness. Reflecting on personal faith or values can empower this process further. For example, referencing Hebrews 5:14 reminds me to move beyond superficial understanding and cultivate mature judgment. This spiritual maturity helps in distinguishing genuine love from self-centeredness. Ultimately, protecting your peace is not about isolating yourself but about honoring your worth and emotional health. The holidays are meant to be a time of joy and connection, and by embracing this mindset, you are more likely to experience meaningful and uplifting celebrations.