“Don’t Steal Her Struggle” – A Personal Philosophy
There’s a quote from Agatha All Along that has really stuck with me:
“Don’t steal her struggle.”
Personally, I’ve clung to this ideology. See, I’m the kind of person who will bend over backwards to save someone—from themselves or from their circumstances. But over the years, I’ve become hardened by the expectation that others would treat me the same in return.
I still believe in helping people—but now I understand the importance of boundaries and, more importantly, the power of enforcing them. I’ve learned to prioritize my own well-being and to let go of the guilt that comes with not giving all of myself to someone else. Especially when it comes to my time. My time is precious. It’s the one true currency in this world, and I refuse to give it away freely.
For me, this quote is more than just a clever line—it’s a philosophy. Everyone has their own path to walk, and what if my attempts to help actually hinder their growth? I like to think of it through the lens of the old proverb: teach a man to fish. It’s not that I won’t help someone in need—but I’ve learned to take a step back. People are often far more resilient than we give them credit for.
Change only happens when someone truly wants it. No amount of effort on your part will matter if the other person isn’t ready. So yes—teach, guide, support—but don’t steal their struggle. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is simply be there when they’re ready to rise.
