So what I'd like to talk about it vulnerability and how it relates to kindness. I know a lot of you have probably heard all about what it means to be vulnerable and why it's good for you, but a side that we rarely talk about is how it's good for other people when we're vulnerable, too.
Think about it this way: If you remain closed off because of fear, worry, pessimism, whatever your ail, then nobody else gets to experience you... By cutting other people out of your life, keeping things surface level, or being afraid of intimacy, you're taking away a chance for you and someone else to share something. It's not just that you'll be unhappy if you don't let people in. It's that you're refusing to share yourself with the world. You're being selfish. You keep your story and your wisdom and whatever you are supposed to do while you're placed on this earth all to yourself. Fear of vulnerability will keep you from fulfilling your purpose in life, whatever it may be.
My favorite perspective on this topic is from C.S. Lewis. (I'll probably write a "To Inspire" post about it as well because it really means so much to me.) He says:
“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.” - C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves
Until some recent thought, I hadn't really understood why closing yourself off to people is a selfish act, but now I understand. You have a gift to share with the world. You have love to give, wisdom to share, kindness to express, and sympathy to feel.
So I ask you. Please find it within yourself to take risks, be vulnerable, and love freely. I am a fierce optimist, and with determination, we all can be. There is no limit to strength of will, so no matter how you have been hurt, let down, or confused, please choose to live outside of the fear for your sake and everyone else's. This world is lucky to have you <3