Take a breath. I am leaving.

I've pondered long and hard over my own self, and my relationship to the lot of you, to my career, to my dear friends and family. I've spent too long a time trying to figure out why I feel outcasted by people who love me, and who I love in return. The conclusion I've reached is that I find it more easy to love you all from a distance. I suspect many of you feel the same way about me.

There are things I want to do, need to do--things I've put off for someone else's sake, time and time again. I'll not put myself off any longer. I'll be back, but only in my own time.

I am all right. I have supplies, money, and a plan. I am leaving by my own free will; I am under no duress, and I've told no one of my location.

I tell you this because I need you not to look for me. Do not file a missing persons report, don't enlist the help of rescue teams or do-gooders wanting to check off their good deed for the season. I don't want to be found. And I think that right now, if you go against this simple wish and look for me, you'll lose me for good.

You'd never find me anyway.