The most accurate measure of courage is one's ability to show vulnerability, to choose courage over comfort.
At times I found myself surrounded by people who did not foster an environment of acceptance, rather an environment of insensitivity. I struggled with the idea that showing emotion was a weakness, or to not follow one's passions if they may be portrayed as "weird." In fact, creating this blog and sharing it was extremely hard as I knew I would face adverse reactions. Society has created a standard that when we face adversity we are meant to come out on top of it doing better than ever without the slightest scratch, and this standard is simply not realistic.
Going through my first large breakup I was met with statements such as "he sucked anyways, you're better off without him" or "you need to act like you don't care and then you win." They were meant to be encouragement but in reality, they only brought on more pain. Truth is, he didn't suck, he was practically perfect and to lose him was heartbreaking. Why was I supposed to act like I didn't care? Why was it a race to see who could feel the least amount of emotion first and prove they were doing better? It is seen as pathetic to be hung up over someone when it should only be natural after losing a person who was such a big part of your life.
I have since overcome this pain, but that is not to say the road beyond it hasn't been bumpy. I have experienced many new emotions, and in talking about them I have found the people that truly care about me.
Vulnerability is the core of emotions. If we prevent ourselves from feeling vulnerable, we only prevent ourselves from experiencing life fully. Our attempt to prevent shame, embarrassment, or sadness also prevents us from feeling acceptance, love, and empathy. Talking about difficult emotions allows us to connect on a deeper level and foster authenticity.
If you have something that brings you passion, take the leap and do it no matter what judgments you may face. The biggest strength you can have is your heart, and that will never be a weakness. Be unapologetically yourself, and in doing so the right people will accept you.
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