I Don't Need You...

There is only one voice that comes to mind when I think of this phrase and that is the voice of my work son, my big Mijo, my partner in crime, the person who encourages (sometimes) my shenanigans, the faithful friend who listens to ALL of my nonsense, even the girly stuff.  It's like he knows exactly when to say it, in a high-pitched voice, "I don't need you..." and it's usually when I'm on a verbal tirade about my independence and abnormal alpha-male tendencies and how I've managed to juggle it all on my own and blah, blah, blah...that he hasn't covered my mouth with a wide piece of duct tape is pretty close to miraculous...poor Mijo, always there to entertain my foolishness and down right tomfoolery.  

We joke about that line all the time and I guess it has become somewhat of a personal anthem.  Initially it was my way of claiming my new found freedom, my divorced girl battle cry.  And anytime I was made to feel like a damsel in distress, Mijo would recognize the look and chime in on cue, "I don't need you..."

Now, after some serious soul searching, self reflection and major work on myself, I realize I still like the phrase but it has an entirely new meaning.  I'm learning, more and more, each day, about what I really need in my life and what I really want in my life.  From the food that I eat, the exercise program I follow to the beer that I enjoy, it's about what works for me and not anyone else.  Yes, I'm still willing to compromise in my relationships but I'm no longer willing to sacrifice what is important to me.  

I keep my inner circle pretty tight and the relationships I choose to foster are those that are understanding of the fact that "I don't need you..." because those close few know that although I may not need them in my life, I want them there and that is a big difference.