First of all, I'm back!!! For those of you who have wondered why I stopped writing...well that's a great question lol. I guess life and not having a ton to write about. This past couple of months has been a journey of more self-discovery, growing my relationship with God, learning more about myself, officially being done with certain friendships and learning how to protect my peace. I’ve spent so much time getting to know myself better and learning to truly love my own company. My days are pretty simple and routine, and honestly, that’s what has kept me grounded.
Every morning, I wake up and the first thing I do is hang out with my dog, Cooper. There’s something so calming about starting my day with that unconditional love. Afterward, I cook up a yummy breakfast, head to work and then workout there. After I retreat back home to the comfort of my own space.
I've come to treasure these moments alone. It’s where I’ve found peace, clarity, and a deep sense of contentment. But recently, I stumbled across a TikTok video where someone mentioned that “you protected your peace too much that you’re scared to let people in.” That hit me right in the heart because it’s something I’ve been wrestling with lately.
I love my personal time—don’t get me wrong—but there’s a part of me that craves deeper connections, friendships, and maybe even a relationship (although that scares me). But then I wonder, have I become so accustomed to protecting my peace that I’m now hesitant to let others in? It’s like I’ve built this cozy little fortress around myself, and now I’m peeking out, unsure if I’m ready to open the door.
I know I’m not alone in feeling this way, and if you’re reading this and nodding along, I want you to know that it’s completely normal. The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 4:23, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Protecting your peace is essential, but it’s also important to remember that we were created for connection. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 tells us, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
So, how do we balance this? How do we maintain our peace while also opening ourselves up to the possibility of love and connection?
Here’s what I’ve learned: Start small. You don’t have to tear down your walls all at once. I have started by being open at work to meeting people. This season, I have made it a goal of mine to meet more people on staff and to gain more work friends. Let people in little by little, and trust that the right ones will respect the peace you’ve worked so hard to cultivate.
And don’t forget to pray about it. Ask God to guide your steps and to bring the right people into your life at the right time. It is a constant prayer that I pray every single night...friends that make me a better person and love God along with praying for a healthy relationship. I know God has amazing plans for me! Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
So, I’m going to keep protecting my peace, but I’m also going to start opening up, trusting that God’s got my back, and that He’ll help me find that balance between solitude and connection.
Remember, it’s okay to be cautious, but don’t let fear keep you from experiencing the beautiful connections God has planned for you.
Let’s keep growing together. 💛
All the best,
Payton Duncan
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