Numb

I experienced several health challenges over the summer, including a rash that prevented deep sleep. I sought cures from Western, Eastern, and West-African practitioners. (And those West-African practitioners are my in-laws lol!)

Midway through my acupuncture treatment, I noticed I could "feel" more on my skin. My nerve endings were awake. It was then I realized they must have been previously dulled.

The realization provoked me to examine other dull places in my life. I landed on relationships, and the following theme emerged. 

I grow numb after my boundaries are consistently violated.

I can continue to play a role in the relationship afterwards but I am NUMB. Shut.down.

Personal maturity requires that I boldly communicate my boundaries, the violations, and my expectations for next steps if the relationship continues. Personal maturity also requires that I LISTEN, actively, intently, to the other person to uncover their underlying values and motivations.

And then I can make a choice... to walk away from an inauthentic relationship, to remain numb in the hopes of trying re-engagement again, or to delve deeper into relational fulfillment that benefits both parties.