[Sophie]

"Imagine stepping into a world where every interaction you have is like a brushstroke on the canvas of your day. Some strokes are vibrant and uplifting enhancing the beauty of your existence. Then there are those dark, heavy and inconsistent strokes left by toxic people. These interactions don't just leave a mark, they alter the entire masterpiece of your day, your mood and even your self-perception. 

Now think about ancient stoics. They were masters of their own minds, not by avoiding adversity, but by fortifying their inner walls. They knew that not every opinion, critique or negative energy deserved their attention. What if I told you that dealing with toxic people could be approached with the same stoicism? It's not about building an impenetrable wall, but about choosing which gates to open and when. This selective openness doesn't make you less of a person; it makes you a curator of your own peace. Picture your energy as a limited precious resource like water in a desert. Every interaction you partake in is like giving a drop of that water away. Now would you rather give it to someone who plants seeds in your desert making it bloom or to someone who lets it evaporate under the scornful sun? 

Setting boundaries is about investing your energy wisely, not with arrogance or disdain, but with the calm resolve of a stoic who knows his worth and the value of his time. It's about calmly communicating: "this is where I draw the line", because your peace is not up for negotiation. So let's move forward with this mindset. View each day as an opportunity to paint your masterpiece, to invest your energy where it grows wonders. Remember, respecting yourself enough to set boundaries is not an act of aggression, it's an act of self-respect and wisdom. Start today, not by cutting people out, but by delineating where your garden ends and the wild begins and watch how the landscape of your life transforms."