Open
(4)
Openness doesn’t come from resisting our fears, but rather from getting to know them well
I’d always been afraid of being open, of being free and of being honest in general about who I am — my thoughts, my yearnings, my ideals, my dreams and even my ways. Fear constantly knocked on my door and I would cower in the dark corner of my mind and make up lies just to get by. It seemed easier that way; to pretend to be someone I wasn’t and to ‘fake it’ just to make everything seem okay. Anything was better than being me.
Sometime in the last two years or so it got a bit easier. I gradually became more comfortable in my skin. I shedded a few insecurities. I let go of some silly inhibitions that weren’t doing me any good. I gave up on thinking it mattered what others thought of me, over what I thought of myself.
I think it takes getting used to though. It doesn’t happen overnight. It takes being vulnerable to understand what it means to be open and free, and it takes bravery and courage to not care enough to be happy with who you are.
Judgements won’t break you, although they will perhaps hurt you or cause you some pain. Anger won’t kill you, even though it might cause some discomfort or unsettlement for a while. Criticism will exist until the day you die and most often will give you means to strengthen your values and purpose further.
Open your mind to the possibilities of happiness regardless of what it going on around you. Open your heart to the opportunities of loving and hurting — both that will stimulate life experiences and build character. Open yourself up to the wondrous journey that is yours, just yours to bask in. It is scary, it has its uncertainties and yet, trust that you will feel enriched and rejuvenated when you do. Cause when you direct positivity to the universe, the universe will direct positivity to you.
