I used to yearn for the companionship of the many, and I did try so very hard in my younger years to obtain the affection from many different friends. However, my regular experience with the companies I kept was very one-sided, favoring the other more than my own. Rather than the fruits of my labor being harvested and shared amongst the society I kept as friends, regularly they were left to rot. For many years, I would look upon these frequent disasters and feel a sense of deep melancholy. But over time, I have learned that the tree that stands alone has the deepest and most secure roots because that tree requires the fullest strength of itself to protect it from all storms and vermin which would destroy or rot it from the outside in or inside out. Ironically, after accepting this truth and cutting my ties, my roots from those who favored me only for my abused loyalty, I noticed their discomforts with my absence and even their beckoning for my return. Though, as they found out, as have many others, I have a deep-rooted stubborn streak; once my loyalty is broken it is shattered, trashed and I won't allow for healing to occur - ever. Alone, I am freest. Independent, I am truest. Sources: Cover image: Photo by Tom Morel on Unsplash