Sometimes, we run from our true feelings, convincing ourselves it’s easier to keep busy than to face the truth inside. I recently found myself doing exactly that. Deep down, I knew I was in love, but rather than embracing it, I chose to distract myself with work and endless tasks. It was easy, seductive even—busyness felt productive, as if keeping my mind occupied would somehow help me “move on.” But by the end of the day, I realized this “solution” had only made things worse.

Not only was I physically exhausted, but I felt even more weighed down emotionally. By ignoring my feelings of love, I’d added an extra layer of frustration and sadness on top of everything else. Instead of facing one set of feelings, I now had two: the painful truth of love unacknowledged and the physical strain from working too hard to forget it.

Why was I punishing myself for feeling love? Out of fear, perhaps—the fear that my love might not be returned, that I might be vulnerable without guarantees. But love doesn’t need anyone’s permission to exist. It doesn’t require reciprocation to be real or meaningful.

I’ve come to realize I have the right to my feelings. There’s nothing wrong with feeling love for someone, even if that love isn’t reciprocated. What is wrong is suppressing it and punishing myself for it. I deserve to embrace this feeling of warmth, rather than allowing bitterness and overwork to cloud my heart and rob me of peace. So today, I’m choosing to own my love without shame or fear, knowing it’s part of who I am. No more running.