Life has a way of teaching us through struggle. I know what it feels like to stand alone, to be misunderstood, and even to feel despised by others. There have been moments when I thought I belonged to a group or circle, only to discover that many were in it only for themselves.
Yet even in those times, I felt a duty to help others when they struggled—even those who hurt me repeatedly. I gave, and I gave again, until I realized that without boundaries, I was only draining myself. It was then that I drew the line. I chose to stand firm, to protect my spirit, and to live by the truth that if someone brings only destruction into your life, they are not truly for you.
This decision has not always been easy. Setting boundaries can hurt, but it is necessary. It is not about being perfect—I still make mistakes—but about living with integrity and refusing to be a hypocrite in the values I speak.
One value I believe we can all share, regardless of personality or opinion, is respect. We may not always care for one another, but respect is a bridge that can change the way we live and work together. If we can set aside awkwardness and personal bias, and simply show respect, much more can be accomplished.
I choose to walk this path often alone—not because I am damaged or sad, but because I am anchored in my personal relationship with God. That relationship gives me strength to stand firm, to respect others, and to live with resilience.

Scripture to close:
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” — Luke 6:31