It’s okay to say ‘no’.
It’s okay to give yourself time to reflect and breathe
To realise that you are worth more than you think
‘Tis not arrogance nor hubris to give yourself credit
But the truth.
It’s okay to let them go
To watch them walk away as they douse your bridges with gasoline
To let the flames lick at their heels as they flee
To watch the terror on their faces as they realise they cannot return
You can let them go.
True friends do not wield blades
Nor do they manipulate you, knowing full well you are easily hurt
They do not use your knowledge and support as a sword of validation
And then hide behind you as their shield
When the truth comes.
The day will come
When they will mourn their losses but fear not,
For it is not your loss.