Vulnerability ain't for sissies

Vulnerability is everywhere in my little world. Everybody is talking about it. Brene Brown is all over the place in my facebook feed. So, hey Universe! I get it! I'm paying attention.

Vulnerability is terrifying. It's uncomfortable. It makes me want to hide. And yet, I crave it, dare myself to bare myself. Just look at things I write about here. Some of these posts took all the courage I have to hit publish. Others were tear-soaked and sweat-stained (virtually). Vulnerability, being open to connection, being honest, true self-expression - this is super-human stuff. Our egos hate vulnerability, will do anything to stop it. Egos tell us that no one will like us if they know the truth. Egos like to keep us in our little box, our safe little box. Our safe little lonely box.

But I want to add something to this conversation about the power of vulnerability. I think the power to turn off, to protect, to tell someone to "fuck off" is equally valuable. Some times people are assholes. Some people don't deserve our authentic selves. Some people are too locked in their own boxes to connect with us, not matter how open and vulnerable we are.

Don't waste your time or your precious energy on those people. Sure give them the chance to see you are the real deal, but if they don't respond in kind, even to make the attempt to connect in a real way - move on. See you later, man! 

Life is too short and you are too precious to waste your gorgeous self on someone who can't even see you, let alone honor and respect you. This goes for everybody, not just significant others. Don't let their inability to see you and honor you shut you down.

Shine on you crazy diamond.