When a smile feels more like a grimace.

When a compliment is tinged with cruelty.

When blame and accusation cloud truth and integrity.

When lies are rampant.

When words become weapons.

When you are vilified for choosing you especially when you desperately need it.

When you’re treated like a burden instead of the blessing you truly are.

When all, some or most of these happen, you know it’s time to leave the table.

Lovelies, don’t be afraid to get up and leave when love is no longer being served. If you don’t value YOU, no one else will. If you don’t advocate for YOU, you’ll be a willing particpant in your demise.

It’s hard to make a clean break from hurtful people. It’s difficult to acknowledge when we’re being mistreated, especially when it involves those we hold in high esteem. But we must remove the rose tinted glasses. We must listen when people tell us who they are and respond accordingly. We must teach and encourage ourselves to see beyond eloquent words or grand gestures so that we can better position ourselves to assess actions and behaviors.

Love is a verb. Love respects. Love lifts. Love expels fear and condemnation–it doesn’t nurture it.

{{hugs}}