Commitment can feel like a mountain to climb, and for many, the challenge begins early in life. If we had parents who didn’t model commitment to themselves—whether through addiction, avoidance, or a lack of emotional communication—we unknowingly learn to avoid commitment too. We internalize their struggle, growing into adults who run from our own feelings and, in turn, from commitment.

True commitment starts with committing to yourself. It means staying present with your feelings, even in moments of emotional overwhelm or when triggered. You must have the courage to express what you feel, need, and want, even when it’s hard. When you can consistently do this, without fear of being vulnerable, you start to attract the right people and circumstances into your life. The ones who don’t respect your boundaries and needs will naturally fall away.

Ultimately, freedom and commitment are intertwined. True freedom isn’t about avoiding pain or finding something external to soothe us; it’s about mastering our own emotions and having the courage to express them. Without this self-honesty, we can’t commit to anything or anyone because we aren’t truly committed to ourselves.

Commitment, therefore, is an act of self-respect. It requires bravery, but once mastered, it leads to deeper relationships, personal growth, and true emotional freedom.