I can say whatever I want to say. I can apply my skills and abilities in whatever capacity I choose.
For too long I’ve held onto this idea that I don’t want to offend certain people who may have some idea of who I am or what my potential is. I always believed there was some bigger plan, that maybe these folks were aware of it, had all the proper connections and just hadn’t figured out how to work me in quite yet. I restrained and paralyzed myself for fear of messing up these relationships and by consequence, this imaginary course of destiny.
But that’s exactly what it is - imaginary. Not one of these folks, who I suppose I have always respected, has reached out in recent years to offer me an opportunity, consult me, inquire if I needed help or otherwise made clear that they have any thought of me at all. So I am releasing them from my headspace, freeing myself from these shackles of sensitivity and precaution I have hallucinated, and kept myself bound in, as not to offend for the benefit of others.
To be clear, I do not expect nor desire for anyone to feel guilty or ashamed. I was never your responsibility. You are as free as you ever were to offer your advice and share your platitudes as you see fit. You are welcome to disagree and even disown if the prospect of my expressing thoughts outside your orthodoxy should make you uncomfortable. I am not in your debt, nor am I owed, nor do I expect anything. Not assistance, not assurance and certainly not salvation from men.
My expressions are genuine, honest and sealed with the integrity of remaining unpurchased and uncompromised. May they forever remain untainted.
