It took me staring into the abyss, being raked through the depths of Hell, to realize that my truth was worth living. I no longer feel tied to the consideration of other people – especially family members – other than the boiling turmoil that creeps up from time to time when anxiety knocks. I have realized that it is not worth the time to be recognized by anyone except for oneself. Their measure and respect of your life’s value does not matter, as they have not had to spend an infinite amount of time within your life. Age is not wisdom. Wisdom comes from lived-in experiences, and anyone that says they have the wisdom to tell you that you cannot feel apart from yourself and need to correct it speaks with internal biases that they have yet to even fathom. You do not need to ignore parts of yourself just so they can be more comfortable battling the Colossus of Ignorance within their minds.
You are valid. You are worth it. You are important. Not because I have said it, but because you have – or will – internalized it. You have said it. In affirming your identity and perception, you create Veritas. The Goddess is your guidance to helping others and making your life beyond the realm of oneself. That is the future that you can elect to have by using your experience as a tool of understanding. You begin to realize that family is not merely reliant upon blood ties. Family consists of individuals that love you beyond measure. Their love is truly an unconditional act, a consensual waltz of inclusion, understanding, and acceptance. It does not matter how much interaction is there, because they are always there for you.
Toxic individuals decide if they wish to participate in the dance, and you are under no obligation to provide them momentum. If your energy is best spent doing other things, then pursue those. Don’t let others rob you of your voice by forcing you to constantly educate them on the little things. Exist for your sake, because it’s all we have. Be who you are.
You exist. You matter.