I’ve always loved people… I just learned to never let them get too close.

That’s something most people don’t realize about me.

Growing up, I learned how to read people.

Not just what they said… but what they didn’t say.

I could feel when something was off.
I could see when someone was hurting.
And I didn’t ignore it.

I helped.

But not in obvious ways.

I wasn’t the one sitting down talking it out.

I was the one:

making calls behind the scenes helping in ways people didn’t even know showing up quietly giving without being seen

That’s how I loved.

But I always kept distance.

Because somewhere along the way, I learned:

If people see too much of your heart… they might take advantage of it.

So I created a system.

I could care.
I could help.
I could show up.

But I wouldn’t let you all the way in.

And if I’m being honest…

that worked for a long time.

You might be like me if:

you’re the one everyone comes to you understand people deeply you show up for others… but stay guarded people benefit from your presence… but don’t fully know you

Here’s what I’ve been learning though:

Distance protects you… but it also disconnects you.

There’s a difference between being safe…

and being seen.

As a leader, I’ve had to learn this the hard way.

I can’t just support people from a distance.

At some point, connection matters.

Not overexposure. Not oversharing.

But real presence.

As a mother, this one hits even deeper.

Because I don’t want my daughter to feel loved from a distance.

I want her to feel me.

I want her to know I’m here—not just in what I do for her…

but in how I show up with her.

And as a woman…

this is probably one of the hardest truths to face:

You can be a good person.
A giving person.
A compassionate person.

And still be guarded.

So now I’m learning a different way.

Not to stop caring.
Not to stop helping.

But to stop hiding behind distance.

Because becoming isn’t just about growing.

It’s about allowing yourself to be seen in the process.

And if you’ve been the strong one…
the understanding one…
the one who shows up but stays guarded…

Just know:

You don’t have to stay there.

We’re learning how to love differently.
How to show up differently.
How to become… differently.

Together.