I shared this letter to kick off our Women’s Retreat this past weekend.
Dear culture,
We’ve been together
for a while now. So I know this letter will probably come as a shock. I’m sorry
for that.
But I don’t think our relationship is good for
me. It’s fun. We have lots of fun together. We’ve had lots of laughs. And
actually we’ve shared some pretty good memories.
We have quite a history, don’t we?
But I feel our relationship has become unhealthy – I guess I feel like it’s one-sided. I give you so much but don’t get much back from you. Actually that’s not quite true. I do get some things. What I often come home with after time with you is more insecurity and inadequacy.
I give a huge amount of emotional energy and attention to making us work. But it’s out of balance. I’m not getting what I need from you. Our relationship is becoming a burden on me.
It actually literally keeps me up at night. I often have trouble sleeping after I’ve been with you. I find myself comparing my life with other people. I don’t feel a lot of contentment. I think these might be red flags.
I’m sorry if this hurts you, I’m writing this letter for my own health.
I’m tired. No actually, I’m exhausted – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I don’t feel cared for by you. You just take from me, and I’m completely drained dry. I have nothing more to give. I need a more healthy and balanced relationship with you.
I think we should spend some time apart.
You must have had
some idea this was coming from what I’ve shared recently. I’ve been struggling
to keep perspective and keep my priorities in line.
I need a break. I need to find myself apart from
you.
So I guess I’m breaking up with you. Culture, as
of this letter, we’re on a break.
Please don’t contact me. I need space.
These Words of Mine 
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