Sometimes we distance ourselves from others because they have qualities we dislike in ourselves. Sometimes it’s easy to be fed up and annoyed, thinking ‘how could they be that way?’ all the while remembering times we’ve acted the exact same way. It prompts a period of self reflection, which is good and sometimes painful. Growth is key to survival.

Sometimes we distance ourselves from others because they have qualities that remind of us of others who have hurt us. We build those connections fueled by memories and build walls. Self preservation can be necessary to avoid bad situations and future hurt.

Sometimes we distance ourselves from others because they /we need to find their /our own path. I always say it takes a village to raise me, and I am 31 years old. But I understand I am truly the only one who can walk in my path. I am the only me, a thought that used to seem like nothing. I didn’t want to be weird or standout. Now, I don’t want anyone else to try to be me. I am the only me, and I like it that way. I never thought I had strength, that I was weak and that’s just who I was. You don’t know what you’re capable of until you don’t have other options. Or when the options you have will slowly chip away at your soul until you can’t take it anymore. I find my strength in my inherent uniqueness. My gifts and talents are still being discovered, but I am enough. I am me.