Throughout my life, I have been expected to be a doormat. From guilt trips to subliminal hints and blatant disrespect, I have been expected to "lay down" and take whatever people give me. No more! My persona is one of Independence and autonomy. I work best alone and in my own element. I do not have the capacity to be a perpetual caretaker or a parent to anymore, especially adults. I need freedom, and I need to give myself permission to live in my true independent self awareness, not fearing backlash from those who cannot handle boundaries or my not being a doormat. Know your place. Run your race. This is a deep and personal episode of self-reflection that I hope brings clarity of self to others.