growing up.

I can feel myself growing up.

I am becoming the strong, independent woman my daddy raised me to be.

How do I know this?

Because I no longer see my future with a man.

I no longer see myself needing a partner.

It is more of a desire, than a necessity.

This is huge progress.

I never thought I would be strong enough as one to consider supporting my future children on my own. But I can do it. I know I can. I believe I can. I have a plan.

The only person(s) I need to concern myself with are those that haven’t even graced the earth with their presence yet. My children. They are my future, my guarantee and my validation. I am working towards them. For them. To give them everything I have ever achieved, to share with them my successes and help them accumulate their own.

I want this empire. For me. And my children.

And I am building it. Currently.

Strengthening it. Until they arrive. Until it is ready to be passed on.

I will do it alone. I don’t need anyone.

You can come along, if you’d like. Though, don’t expect me to beg.

I am not here to ensure your masculinity is intact.

It is not my task to make you feel needed and valued.

Your validation from me left when I started to grow up.

If you walk away now, because I have changed, just know that you are weak.

You only wanted me when I was a shell. When I had no identity and shaped to those around me.

Now people are shaping to me. I built the name I carry. And it is heavy.

You can help support it. But that is all you are. A support. Not load-bearing. You would have to be okay with the knowledge that you are significant, important – but in no way the main act.

Remember that.

I am growing up.

I am becoming the strong independent woman I have been destined to be.

How do I know this?

Because I no longer need you.