I spent the past week away from my daily norm. I went to a familiar place and took in rest and relaxation. During that moment of solitude the following epiphany revealed itself: Stop going places where you’re not wanted!

To bring this in a little closer, it’s taught that you have to spend time with family because they’re not yours to choose, at least in my family it was. You’re expected to come together in one accord even when the only peaceful harmony that’s ever existed between you is distance.

I’ve often questioned if there were no blood line that existed between myself and others would we have connected individually, often times my answer has been no.

I’ve searched within and asked if I’ve presented the best version of myself while in their presence, once again I must answer no – I’ve presented who I am and if I expect that to be good enough for the world it darn sure needs to be good enough for family.

Who I am is strong willed, assertive, and outspoken – I make no apologies for this because I’ve come a long way from the girl that believed she was ugly an dared not to stand out in a crowd.

Who I am is also caring, supportive, and loving – I protect this aspect of myself at all cost because the unhappiness of others is on a seek and destroy mission to kill the joy within those that surround them.

I’m not coming where I’m unwanted! Not because it’s family – not because someone will talk about my absence, truth be told they’re going to talk about my presence too. I’m not being family to individuals that have never tried to be family to me. I’m just not doing it!

It’s important that you’re a protector of your peace, even from those within your bloodline. Be unapologetic, be intentional, most importantly be absent from places where you’re unwanted – family not exempt.