and pursue diligently...
I do believe this is the only way, not only to grow as a person, but also to not let anything ruffle my mind, or spoil its peace.
It is necessary at times to make a break with someone or some situation you have been in which you realize now has swamped who you really are...How can you be true to yourself if you are turning yourself inside out and upside down trying to be true to everyone and every situation just because you do not want to upset the boat, or be hurtful...What happens to your feelings/what you really want to do and be/your happiness/your peace?
It is better to, in your own way, separate yourself from anything or anyone who drags you down, or you find yourself in a position that is painful to you...that you know you do not enjoy....Momentarily, it may cause pain to do this, but in the long run it will be good for you....and, for all you know, it will end up being good for the other person too, and improve the situation you walked away from....
You have only you, so start looking after you....and remember we can be what we want to be. Quoting George Eliot: “It is never too late to be who you might have been.”