I’ve been a pretty closed person all my life, hesitant to share my thoughts and feelings with others. However, recently, I’ve started to realize the importance of opening up and forming deeper connections with those around me and I have written in an earlier blog post about how there is empowerment in vulnerability.

It’s funny how when you start working on yourself, you notice more patterns and signs emerging that you overlooked in the past. It’s as if you have a newfound heightened awareness.

I heard a great quote from the comedy show Shrinking that I have been watching as of late. The quote was “Stay open. Two vulnerable people will always find a way to connect,” and it is so true. It hits home for me as I am working on my healing and vulnerabilities. It’s a reminder that embracing our authentic selves can lead to deeper connections with others. By being open and honest, we create a safe space for meaningful relationships to really flourish.

One thing I used to always struggle with, though, was when people viewed me in such a way that wasn’t exactly true, or how I actually was. But I have come to realize that when you spend the better part of your life not letting people in and being closed off, then they don’t get to know the real you. They only see the parts you allow them to see. In choosing to be open and letting people in, it not only brings me peace because I am no longer putting in so much energy to hide parts of myself, but it also is building deeper connections, and that’s a win-win in my eyes.

Letting go is a power move.

I no longer am going out of my way to correct people’s misperception of me. After all, if they refuse to take a minute and get to know me for who I am and want to work on building a relationship, then there is nothing I can do about that. It’s true that other people’s opinions or misconceptions don’t define your worth or identity, and spending time seeking validation when you won’t get it only stops you from being connected to your own peace and values.

Most people think in absolutes, missing nuances and multiple reasons for people’s behavior and thinking. And they don’t wish to try and understand. At the end of the day, that’s on them and not on me. It also means that I am letting go of the need to control everything around me, and it’s making me a lot happier. The only thing I am choosing to control is how I put myself out there and choosing to be open and vulnerable. This new perspective allows me to focus on my own actions and feelings rather than getting caught up in others’ reactions.

There is a definite newfound confidence within me. Or perhaps it has always been there, but I choose to not let it out because I was so prone to being afraid of letting others in. Either way, it feels good to not be so rigid and be frustrated all the time.

I am finding myself for the first time, and I am really liking who I am becoming, and I am going to continue surrounding myself with good people, the people who care about me and know I bring a lot to the table. Having these positive influences will help me grow even more.

Embracing this journey of self-discovery feels empowering, and I am excited to see where it leads me next.