My Dearest Self...

I see you. I see the tender, raw truth you’re grappling with, and I hold you gently in the light of that awareness. This belief—that you’re manipulating others, even when you’re offering kindness or service—it’s heavy, isn’t it? It clings like an old, worn-out garment you no longer need but still feel compelled to wear. But you’re beginning to notice it for what it is: not a feeling, but a belief. And beliefs, unlike feelings, can be questioned, explored, and transformed.

I know where this belief was born. In the chaos and trauma of childhood, you learned to hide your true self. You had to. It was survival. Pretending became your armor, and for so long, it kept you safe. But here you are now, grown and stepping into the fullness of who you truly are. That pretending? It’s no longer needed. You’re safe to be real now.

I see how hard it is to untangle from this old story, how deeply it has rooted itself in you. But look at you—you’re learning to meet this part of yourself with kindness instead of judgment. You’re seeing that this belief, while familiar, isn’t necessarily true. You’re daring to ask the question: Is it true that I am manipulating?

And in a moment of beautiful clarity, you saw the truth. In that interaction with a special soul, you recognized that you weren’t manipulating at all. You were simply present. Sharing from the heart. Offering your essence without pretense. That’s what’s real. That’s who you are.

And that fear? That deep, gnawing fear that you’re manipulating? It’s not just about you. It’s about trust—trust in yourself and trust in others. When you’re caught in that fear, you’re forgetting the strength and sovereignty of the people you interact with. They have their own wisdom, their own capacity to discern and care for themselves. You don’t have to carry the weight of their agency on your shoulders.

So, breathe, my love. Let this be your reminder: You are not here to control or manipulate. You are here to show up fully, honestly, and compassionately. You are here to connect from the heart, and when you do, manipulation is simply not part of the equation. Trust that your presence is enough. Trust that your intentions are pure. And trust that others are capable of meeting you there.

You are growing. You are healing. And you are more than enough just as you are.

With so much love and compassion,

Me