My purpose is not to appease another human’s needs over my own. I don’t need the validation of a man, a partner, or a parent. My purpose is to act as a single individual. Navigate the world in the best possible way that I can.

Sometimes moments arise when we can’t control the outcome. In these moments, I don’t have to embody the perfect amount of confidence. I don’t have to wonder why or what I’ve done to make someone respond maliciously. I will take a breath and say, “I’m confused. Can you please help me understand why you reacted so negatively just now?

If they can’t explain, if they are speaking without reason, chances are they are projecting their hateful mentality on to me. I’m not the cause of this problem.

I will not need to climb onto my soapbox. I will let them be with themselves and have their moment of destructive behavior. I will not make myself vulnerable because this has nothing to do with me and everything to do with them unless they can provide adequate information to state otherwise.

I will not spend another moment being cruel to myself. I will not doubt myself or burdon myself with this destructive behavior. I will not escalate childishness to it’s screaming delight.

I will lead by example. I will be compassionate. I will be a beacon of strength and hope in the night. A lighthouse that guides them back to a moment of clarity.

But above all, I will not jump into the deep ocean with a sinking ship.

via GIPHY