As social creatures, oftentimes we naturally gravitate towards building connections with others, seeking out familiarity and comfort in our relationships. But what happens when even those familiar people in our lives turn out to be situational strangers, serving their own selfish purposes at our expense at times when we least expected them too?

It's a harsh reality that even though we may know someone in one space, we may not recognize the same person in another space. Now when I say space, that can be a financial space, a space of opportunity, a space of loyalty, etc. Sometimes a person is only as honest and has as much integrity as their situations command. Their opportunistic demeanor  will oftentimes make them cunning, and they may misuse your trust, time or abilities for their own gain.

Especially, in this age of social media and insta-fame, it's more important than ever to protect yourself and your gifts. Only share them with other humans and entities that want to see you grow and will protect you in rooms that you are not in rather than those who are only looking to exploit you.

It can be difficult to recognize when someone is not genuine in their intentions, especially if they have been a part of your journey for some time. However, there are often telltale signs, such as inconsistencies in their behavior, constantly changing their story, exaggerating their accomplishments, or a lack of follow-through on their promises or obligations.

It's important to be cautious when sharing personal information, time or ideas, especially with those who have a history of taking advantage of others. While it's important to be open to new opportunities and collaborations, it's equally important to set boundaries and protect yourself from those who may try to take advantage of you.

Remember, it's okay to be the garden and allow yourself to be watered and nurtured with the expectation of being loved, honored and protected. It's important to surround yourself with people who genuinely care about your well-being and want to see you grow, rather than those who are only looking to benefit from your talents and existence.

At the end of the day, you have a responsibility to protect yourself and your gifts. By being mindful of your greatness and of who you share your time and talents with, you can ensure that you are putting yourself in a position to thrive, rather than being taken advantage of by those who seek to use you for their own gain.  Remember, you are the only you that you have.