I used to guard my personal thoughts and private life to protect myself from others’ judgment. Being judged can be painful at any age, if you let it. As a young girl, I learned the pain of sharing my private thoughts, so I quickly became an excellent listener. It felt much safer that way.

Recently, I realized the quiet suffering I caused myself over the years by guarding my words so tightly. I was denying myself meaningful experiences and relationships by avoiding deeper conversations about myself and embracing who I am and where I fit in this world.

Author Mark Nepo said it beautifully in his book The Book of Awakening, pg. 171:

“In truth, there are always two blood reasons to be who we are. It is how we find love, and it is how we keep the ways of others from sweeping us away.”

Just be yourself, and you will attract more like-minded people. Let your guard down and feel how liberating it is to be open. Other people’s opinions are just that, opinions. Let them have them. If you are living with a good moral compass and not out to hurt anyone, I am willing to bet other people want to get to know you too! Imagine the incredible relationships you can attract into your life.