Taking Inventory of Your Circle

Every so often, life invites us to pause—not just to catch our breath, but to take stock. We evaluate where we are, what we want, who we’ve become… and who’s standing beside us. Lately, I’ve found myself doing just that—quietly, intentionally, taking inventory of the people in my life. And what I’ve realized is this: just because someone has a front-row seat in your story doesn’t mean they’ve earned it.

Let’s be honest—some people are in your life because of proximity, not purpose. They were there in a season, and maybe they served a role. But seasons shift. And sometimes, people don’t grow with you. They resist your healing. They resent your boundaries. They question your joy. And slowly, without even realizing it, you start shrinking to stay connected to someone who was never meant to hold space in your next chapter.

This isn’t about bitterness. It’s about awareness.

It’s about recognizing the relationships that drain instead of pour. That criticize more than they celebrate. That hold you hostage to your past instead of cheering on your progress. And sometimes, the hardest truth to swallow is that the people who say “I’m here for you” don’t always act like it when you need them most.

But here’s what I’ve learned—peace isn’t found in keeping everyone happy. It’s found in being true to yourself, even if that means letting go of people who once felt familiar. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for choosing your well-being. You’re allowed to outgrow connections. You’re allowed to want depth over surface. Quality over quantity. Soul-alignment over shared history.

And yes, sometimes that means cutting ties. Quietly. Without fanfare. Without drama. Just a gentle, holy release that says, “This no longer serves the person I’m becoming.”

Taking inventory isn’t an act of judgment—it’s an act of self-respect. Because the truth is, the people closest to you either help you heal or keep you wounded. They either speak life into your becoming or constantly drag you back to your undoing.

So here’s your permission slip: You are not required to keep every connection alive.

Not the one who constantly talks over you.
Not the one who manipulates with guilt.
Not the one who only shows up when it’s convenient.
Not the one who mocks your boundaries or makes you question your worth.

You get to choose peace over proximity. Growth over guilt. Healing over history.

And when you make that choice, something powerful happens: you create space. Space for new voices. Healthier connections. Deeper roots. And maybe, just maybe, space for the person you are finally becoming.

So go ahead. Take inventory.
And if necessary, edit your circle.
You’re allowed to protect your peace.

You’re worth that much—and more.