“Absence is not always rejection, sometimes it’s redirection.”
There are holidays when the chair you used to occupy is empty.
Not because you vanished, but because someone else closed the circle.
The old self might ache, question, replay scenes, wonder what you did wrong.
But the wiser self knows: not all doors are meant to open right now.
Your worth is not determined by who includes you.
Your peace is not dependent on being chosen.
Sometimes the greatest gift is being released from a room that no longer fits your growth.
If the door stays shut,
let it stay shut.
You are not meant
to shrink yourself thin.
Gentle Practice:
Say quietly: “My value does not depend on belonging where I am not welcomed.”
-Kerri-Elizabeth-
Tomorrow, we explore the other side, when you don’t want to invite someone, and how to do that without guilt.
SONSHINE FOR YOU 
I love that gentle practice. It’s a great reminder.
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💛💛💛
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I have learned that how I think about something affects how I feel. When I read your post, I see such beautiful reframing of thoughts, Kerri. Your writing will help so many people. You took a devastating situation and turned it into a beautiful healing opportunity.
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Thank you my beautiful friend, I love you.😘
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This is beautifully written and deeply grounding. 💛 I love how it reminds us that our worth and peace aren’t tied to others’ choices, and that sometimes absence is a gift, not a loss. Your gentle guidance and practical practice make this reflection both comforting and empowering.
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Thank you so much.😊
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💛💛💛💛
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I agree, when people exclude you, seek out other people. Like you say, sometimes you outgrow a circle of friends and family, but there are other circles join.
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Exactly and even when it doesn’t feel so good , I believe it’s just a temporary exchange for peace and new beginnings , that we often never see unless pushed there .
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That is a great point. Sometimes we need new beginnings and we need a little push to get there. I was reading that those who stay with the same company throughout their career because they feel happy where they are, are often taken advantage of and have less salary whilst those who do a little job hopping and explore new opportunities, often because they are unhappy with their first job make 40% to 100% higher salaries. Difficult and unhappy situations may not be so unhappy in the longrun.
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I agree .. that doesn’t surprise me at all.. I’ve seen it and experienced it myself.
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