Dear Reader,

July 21st, 2026

I’m not going to lie—I’ve been struggling mentally lately.

One thing I’ve learned is that the environment you continue to allow yourself to stay in can slowly make you sick. The people you surround yourself with have the power to either bring peace into your life or constantly leave you feeling drained, unseen, and unimportant. Over the last few weeks, I’ve had to face some hard truths about where I stand in certain friendships and even within my own family.

As painful as it is, I think God has been revealing who is truly for me and who simply isn’t.

Because of that, I’ve realized it’s time to step away from unhealthy relationships and set boundaries with people who continually choose their own pride, comfort, or selfishness over showing up for me and my children.

Lately, I’ve found myself craving a fresh start. Not because I want to run away from my life, but because I want to build a healthier one. I want to surround myself with people who genuinely care. People who celebrate with us, pray for us, encourage us, and show up when it matters. I want my children to grow up knowing what healthy friendships and healthy relationships actually look like.

For example: This past weekend was my youngest daughter’s birthday party.

The only people who came were my brother, my grandmother, and a new friend.

That was it.

Not my friends. Not my family. Not even a simple text saying they couldn’t make it.

At first, I told myself it was okay. People are busy. Life happens.

But then I realized something.

This isn’t the first birthday party where my children have been left wondering where everyone was.

That realization hurt more than I can explain.

It wasn’t really about the party itself. It was about what it represented. It made me realize how often I’ve continued pouring into relationships that simply haven’t poured back into me.

What hurt even more was that instead of some people acknowledging my hurt, it felt like they became defensive. Rather than saying, “I’m sorry,” they found reasons to criticize me or make the conversation about something else. That’s a pattern I can no longer ignore.

So I’ve made a decision.

I’m done chasing people who continually show me where I stand.

Instead, I’m going to start building the kind of community I’ve always wanted for myself and my children—a family made up of people who choose to show up. People whose actions match their words. People who celebrate birthdays, remember important moments, check in just because, and make each other feel loved.

This post may upset some people, but Jesus called us to be the salt of the earth, not sugar. Salt preserves. Salt heals. Sometimes it even stings before it restores. Speaking the truth isn’t always comfortable, but pretending everything is okay when it isn’t doesn’t bring healing either.

The truth is, this hurt.

It made me feel unimportant.

But I’m also learning that my worth is not determined by who shows up or who doesn’t. Sometimes God allows disappointment because He’s making room for something better. Sometimes He closes doors so we’ll stop knocking on them.

I believe that’s what He’s doing in my life now.

So this season is about letting go of relationships that continually leave me feeling empty and making room for the ones God has for me.

Because my children deserve people who celebrate them.

And I deserve people who show up.

Love always,

Kelsey