Always Maintain Discernment

You ever have those moments in time where different people in your life, people who have never had contact with each other, end up uttering the same words or phrases? I have. And I don’t believe in coincidence. This sure as hell wasn’t coincidence — it was a message meant for my knowing and acknowledgement.

Recently, I heard the statement “I have not changed.” Both times it came in a defensive manner, almost like an argument for why they should remain in my life. Both times I sat back, listened, and took it in. What a bizarre thing to throw at me simply because I was setting boundaries for myself and my wellbeing. I was astonished at the lack of accountability, but then again — they weren’t wrong. They haven’t changed after all these years.

That’s when the moment of self-recognition and realization set in. I’ve read about this from the gurus, but it’s different when it’s lived. Then the reprogramming started in my own head: “Damn straight you haven’t changed… but I have.”

And that’s the issue. Woven into their words was a plea for me to go back — to shrink down into who I used to be. But my conviction is set. My foot is down. I absolutely refuse to go backwards for anyone, regardless of the years or the tears.

I have taken countless years of trauma and alchemized it into wisdom. I have become skilled at following my intuition, and I trust it instead of handing out the benefit of the doubt. That doesn’t mean I judge others harshly — discernment isn’t about labeling people good or bad. It’s about seeing clearly, noticing the patterns, and honoring my own growth without apology.

So if I could offer any advice today, it would be this:

Always maintain your discernment.