Photo by ERNEST TARASOV on Unsplash

What does courage look like to you? What length are you willing to go to keep it? Who steals your courage?

My definition of courage is having the strength to walk away from toxic people and situations. I have made the following decisions.

1. I will not let people treat me like shit anymore.

2. I will not associate with people who treat me like shit.

3. I value my peace and sanity more than anything in this world.

So, I have made some decisions that certain family members will not agree with. I now realize that your opinion has no bearing on my life.

I choose to stay away from your toxicity. I choose not to get involved with your drama. I have decided you are not worth the trouble and pain that you bring into my life.

Does that mean I hate you? No, it means I’m doing my own thing.

I value what you have taught me, whether good or bad, but I value myself more.

You may disagree with these statements and I’m fine with that.

Let’s chalk this up to the fact that I choose not to be around you anymore for my wellbeing.

I only wish you could ever so kindly return the favor.

— Nicole Barden 5/11/2021

Originally published in Know Thyself, Heal Thyself on Medium