I once shed light to the darker spaces of my mind; I shared intimacies and opened my heart blindly. Enemies of my friends were too, my enemies. External factors became my very own. Perceptions and opinions clouded me, influenced me. Foolishly seeking acceptance, I cut ends before attempting to untie them. I have seen from every angle there is to see; I have been within and without; I have been on the outside looking in, and have formed part of every phase possible. Although some positions are more powerful than others, the tables always turn and the cycles, like seasons, are forever changing.

The day before yesterday, I learned an important lesson yet again, connected to the meaning of naiveté. People—with the exception of a few—aren’t willing to simply lend an ear or a shoulder to cry on; they are merely vultures preying on one’s hardships, one’s downfalls. They rejoice at one’s misery; they listen not to care, but to savor the tragedy. They spread false information; they contaminate others with misrepresentations of the truth. In the process, they fail to measure the reach of their tongues, the poison in their hearts.

Yesterday, I felt an immense repugnance—rumors, betrayals, lies, childishness, gossip, and drama—people speak it, eat it, and then vomit it into others’ mouths and ears. To say I was disgusted and nauseated is an understatement. I wished nothing more but to expel these toxins and breathe fresh air.

I asked God, and he listened. I stopped lingering on the different possibilities, versions, and outcomes.

Today I feel at peace. Nothing is dark or muddy. I owe nothing, and nothing is owed to me.

Tomorrow is the beginning of a fresh start. To happy endings.