Maya's Story

This is a story reflecting on boundaries and openness.

Maya sat looking out at the ocean, feeling the cool sand between her toes. It had been a difficult few months, full of changes she had not asked for. A demanding new job. A break-up with her long-term boyfriend. Her best friend moving across the country.

She had reacted by putting up walls, isolating herself from others. She was tired of being hurt, so she hid away in her apartment after work, not answering calls. Her weekends became lonely marathons of TV shows and frozen meals.

At first, pulling inward felt like a relief. The pressures of social life lifted. But slowly, Maya found herself sinking into a funk of sadness and inertia. Each day became more monotonous and lifeless.

One morning, Maya decided she needed a change. She took the day off and drove to this quiet beach, feeling called by the endless blue horizon. As she watched the ocean waves roll in and recede, Maya reflected on her own rhythms of opening and closing.

She knew now that total isolation would not nourish her. But neither would leaving herself unprotected. She needed balance. Healthy boundaries, but not impenetrable walls. A shelter from harsh winds, but also fresh air and light.

Maya stood up, breathed in the salty breeze, and walked slowly along the shore's edge, where waves lapped and retreated, lapped and retreated. With each step, she imagined breathing out fear, breathing in courage. She could be open, letting people in, while also honoring her limits. Listening inward, speaking her truth kindly but firmly.

The vast ocean reminded Maya of life's ebb and flow. Closing off had been necessary for a time. But the tide was changing. She would move forward with more wisdom now, feeling less tossed about by external forces. With time and self-care, she would rebuild her connections. For now, this moment of spaciousness was enough.