Have you ever pulled away from something in order to not get hurt? Have you ever closed off an idea or a person because the unknown was too risky? What if it doesn’t work? What if I fail again? Have you thought you were not enough?

I started my blog with my life’s principles—the second of these is Show Vulnerability. I’ve come to understand that the very things I used to try and hide are what makes me more interesting and also what enable me to connect with other people in a way that is real and meaningful. I’ve discovered that the only person who thinks I should have my shit together is me.

I am learning to come to accept myself, even if sometimes I am scared, sad, angry, frustrated… this is far more preferable and less exhausting than constantly trying to outrun myself. And that feels good—well most of the time. It also feels vulnerable.

All it takes is one trip to the magazine section of Barnes and Noble to be reminded that I could be lacking something. That I am not enough. That I need to change in order to be beautiful or loved. The truth is we are being lied to constantly. Among the lies are claims that you can “eat yourself slim” or “cellulite gone for good” or “perfect abs” or—my favorite—”be beautiful to get the love you want.” We (I) fall victim to believing that we need to be more beautiful, more in shape, more energetic in order to be happy, or even loved. The biggest lie you could ever believe is that you are not enough—because you are more than enough right now. Living actively, eating right, being mindful is vitally important don’t get me wrong… but who defines “perfect?” Some magazine?

It’s hard to not compare—it’s vulnerable to face your truth in the mirror. It is much harder to be kind, have grace and love the reflection than to turn our attention to our inner critic and the latest trend in fitness and diet fad. Could we step forward in love, compassion and care and work towards the goals that we want for ourselves as opposed to ones that we either think people want for us or what print wants for us?

There’s intimacy in the vulnerability—one step at a time on this journey to be the best that WE choose to be!