But did you know...

Wow! Just wow! I laughed openly at him as he repeated verbatim the same speech all of his buddies had given me. I could even predict what he was going to say next. I want to be their friends, and they want me to help build their business. When I tell them I have no interest in building their business, they keep trying to get me to join their team. Can we just shoot each other with nerf guns now?

I admire their ambition and drive. I applaud their efforts. But I want community not based on a common business but brotherly love. I want to be open and honest with you and know how you are and what you're thinking. I understand if you don't have time for that, but don't pretend to be interested in me just to convert me to your religion, business, or plans for me. Last I checked, I was still in charge of making my own decisions about what religion to or not to practice, what kind of work I find meaningful, and what I want to do with my life. Community and family doesn't mean you get to take over my choices for me. It means we decided that we would respect each other's life choices and be there to celebrate and weep with one another. Respect doesn't mean agree. It means letting someone else take responsibility for what is rightfully theirs and taking responsibility for what is our own.

I am tired of trying to make friends only to be told I have to change something I chose and love about myself. Ultimately, I walk away from these kinds of relationships. I already have spent enough time feeling like I am not good enough, and I don't need anyone to make me into who I am. I like me and I get to choose who I want to be and the road to take to get there. I choose Jesus, food, hard work, community, Thor, health, my family, and the people who've walked with me in all my flaws just as I am. They make me want to shine. All the rest can leave me alone. :) I have too much living to do.

I will be here cheering you on and celebrating when you get your dreams, even if they aren't mine. Just respect my right to dreams of my own. ❤💋