Do not waste your time or energy
In life, we often encounter situations and people that can either uplift us or drain our energy. From personal experience, I've found that consciously choosing who to invest my time and energy in has dramatically improved my well-being. The phrase 'Life is already hard, so I'm no longer giving my energy to people who make it heavier' deeply resonates because it highlights a necessary boundary for mental health. One effective way to safeguard your peace is to be selective about your social circle. Spending time with people who feel like home—those who offer support, empathy, and positivity—creates a sense of comfort rather than chaos. This doesn't mean cutting off all challenges, but rather focusing your efforts on relationships that nourish your soul. Additionally, recognizing that protecting your peace isn’t selfish but necessary is a transformative mindset. When you prioritize peace, you allow yourself space to recover, grow, and face challenges with renewed strength. This approach reduces emotional exhaustion and fosters resilience. In practical terms, it might mean setting clear boundaries or learning to say no without guilt. For instance, if a conversation or interaction leaves you feeling pressured or unsettled, it’s perfectly okay to step back. Embracing this mindset leads to a more balanced and fulfilling life, where energy is spent on meaningful connections and personal goals, rather than draining conflicts. Ultimately, by choosing to protect your peace, you build a stronger foundation for happiness and mental clarity amidst life's inevitable hardships.

As an empath, I'll just say that at least you have now found a better path than the one I saw you about go down on. If you want I have developed ways to raise my empathy levels without suffering from empathy burnout if you want me to share those ways with you.