I wrote this about beliefs, specifically religious beliefs.
When some of my beliefs changed, I wondered how to let others know.
Strangers were easy; you got the new me.
People I’d known in various parts of that didn’t overlap with these beliefs were also pretty easy; you got the new me.
It was those who shared these religious beliefs who were the biggest challenge. I knew I had changed. I had no idea where they still stood except I suspected they were closer to those we had shared.
I finally realized I need to stop trying to explain and to simply be myself. Whatever and however that looked.
It also gave them space to show up whatever and however that looked for them.
In the dust that settled, I lost some people in my life.
But I gained many more.
If you enjoy the Daily Alchemy and Newsletter, please consider sharing on social media, restacking on Substack, or forwarding to a friend. It is a great honor to see your heart (writing, art, video) be shared out to others.
The Alchemy with Mary Jo Burkhard is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
The Alchemy with MaryJo Burkhard ... Web ... Substack … YouTube … FB …
Oh yeah.
In addition to the relationship dynamics you describe here, I add (for me) the people I was unable to connect with because my belief system didn't allow me to acknowledge their humanness, but by the time I had put that system of belief down, they'd picked it up.