One day, I woke up with this self respect I've never had before. And on that day, I stopped taking shit from people, because I don't deserve it. It's not my duty to cater to EVERYONE.
It was on this day that I finally understood, conversely, that it IS my duty to fully embrace and appreciate the people in my life who are kind and loving. Those people deserve everything and more.
It's so easy to be selfish, and to justify it. What's NOT easy is to remain selfless enough to set your ego aside. Conduct yourself from a place of total love, acceptance, and understanding, but also, do not allow yourself to tolerate those that would upset that.
I don't know what changed. Suddenly it just WAS, and I think that's how true growth comes about.
The funny thing is: these words, outside the context and understanding in my head, probably sound rather plain, and simple. Like I've just told you to "live, laugh, love." But you know what? I've found the most complex truths within the simplest things. And I know there are people out there that this will resonate with.