08/16/2026
Isolation causes separation and then elevation. ⛰️
As of today, Life360 tells me I’ve been in my house for 12 days. More specifically, I’ve spent 12 days in bed. Not by choice, but because my body finally demanded the rest and recovery I have denied it for far too long.
I’ve spent years pushing through, overdoing, showing up, pouring into people and giving more of myself than I had to give. Somewhere along the way, I became empty.
My chronic illnesses are not a secret, nor are they something I’m ashamed of. They are part of my daily life and have been for nearly three decades. I talk about my health for the same reason people talk about their families, careers, hobbies, vacations or anything else that shapes their lives. It is my life.
What I am ashamed of is allowing society to convince me that because I look “normal,” I should have to perform normalcy, mask what I’m experiencing, push through the pain and pretend I’m okay when I’m not.
I don’t need to explain my character, my heart, my work ethic or who I am. If you know me, you know me.
This season has taught me something profound: I cannot expect me from other people.
Just because I would do something doesn’t mean they will.
Just because I give freely doesn’t mean it will be reciprocated.
Just because consideration matters deeply to me doesn’t mean it matters equally to everyone else.
You know what? That’s okay.
Not everyone has my heart. Not everyone will love, show up or pour the way I do. I no longer need to make that my problem.
Some people believe they are the exception to your boundaries. They will take a mile when you give an inch, regardless of whether they share your DNA, have known you for decades or just met you yesterday.
I accept my part in that. I didn’t always make my boundaries clear. I allowed myself to become a crutch. I gave too much, too often, for too long.
We live. We learn. We grow.
Honestly? I’m beginning to love this stillness.
The quiet.
The separation.
The opportunity to hear myself again.
The ability to pour into myself instead of constantly pouring into everyone else.
I’ve been out of work consecutively since mid-February. I no longer receive short-term disability benefits. My long-term disability benefits have been denied and that’s a story for another time.
Through all of this, I can count on one hand the people who have genuinely shown up for me in some way.
To those people: I will never forget you. Your kindness, consideration, calls, messages, help and presence have meant more than you know.
This season has been a major eye-opener. I can no longer give from an empty cup. I can no longer make myself available to everyone at the expense of myself. I can no longer give away my time, energy, expertise, favors or free advice as though my capacity is unlimited.
Nothing is truly free. There is always someone left to pay the cost and for too long, that someone was me.
So I’m choosing differently now.
My boundaries are stronger.
My circle is smaller.
My priorities are different.
My energy is precious.
I am no longer shrinking myself to make other people comfortable.
If I want to, I will.
If I don’t want to, I won’t.
I’m finally okay with that.
New beginnings are on the horizon. ✨
After everything, I can honestly say; it is well with my soul. 🤍
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
— Psalm 46:10
