Don't Be Used, Walk Away

Now.

Don't be dependent. At all. Ever. Period.

Jordan Peterson

Walk Away

You're stronger than you think, more capable than you can even imagine. Your potential? It's like the universe – vast, uncharted, and limitless. I often say, and I mean it from the bottom of my heart, that my love for you, for my children, is deeply rooted in the potential and hope that you carry within you.

But remember, this isn't about living up to every expectation set before you, especially not mine. You'd be surprised at how simple my real expectations are.

All I want for you is to steer clear of things you know are bad for you (and you can, by the way – you're capable of that). Do the things you know you should. When things get tough, give it a shot. Just try.

I want to see you really try. And when you fail – and you will fail because we all do – I want you to pick yourself up, try again, make an adjustment, and keep moving forward.

Life can be complicated, but it's only overwhelming if you don't tackle it head-on. And about fear? Here's a Dad-ism for you: fear can be exciting. It's exciting because it represents the unknown, a chance to explore, learn, grow, and discover.

That's what being human is all about – figuring things out, satisfying that innate drive to learn, to mend what's broken, to understand the why's and how's.

But here's the thing about fear – we tend to embrace only the fear we can box in, control somehow. That's why we love scary movies; we know deep down that we're safe.

But don't just settle for that shallow end of the fear pool. Sometimes, venturing into the real unknown, the uncontrolled fear, is the healthiest path forward, even if it's scary.

And now, let's address the elephant in the room – the fear of being alone. Being alone isn't our natural state; loneliness can be more damaging than we realize. But hear me out: you can find connections beyond a specific group of people.

If you're giving your all to people who only give back pain and sadness, who try to change you for the worse, they're not good for you. That applies in love and friendship alike.

These people might be using you, maybe not with a grand scheme in mind, but in small, hurtful ways. If you find yourself constantly on edge, worried about backstabbing or what they're saying behind your back, it's a sign to reevaluate those relationships.

Acknowledging that you might be in a toxic situation is scary. It's painful to admit, and the aftermath is often filled with grief, sadness, and a feeling of betrayal. But it's a necessary process. It's how you learn to recognize the signs, to see the 'bridge out ahead' warnings you might have missed in your eagerness.

Don't let others make you feel foolish for missing those signs. We all have our moments of idiocy, moments where we've ignored the warning lights. But learning from these experiences, not repeating the same mistakes – that's where your true strength lies.

In the aftermath of such realizations, it's okay to feel sad, to be angry, to grieve. You have every right to those emotions. But don't let them define you. Don't let bitterness and resentment take root. You are so much more than the sum of your painful experiences. You are brilliant, fun, valuable, and oh so loved.

So, as your dad, all I ask is this: don't let the darkness of others dim your light. Remember, you are stronger than you think, and your potential knows no bounds. I believe in you, always.

Oh yeah, and get mad. Get angry.

That helps. It allows separation and closure.

And you’ll process better.

Rage, kiddo, and you’ll be fine.

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