VULNERABILTY

 

sounds terrifying doesn't it?

"to be exposed, or have the potential to be harmed physically or emotionally."

that's because it is; that's some scary shit. 

did you know that it's men's mental health awareness month?

im sure most people aren't aware because no one talks about it. men aren't given safe spaces or relationships to be vulnerable, to feel or express how they truly feel. they are cheated of the intimacy women have within their female friendships. if men tell each other how much they're hurting, or even shed a tear, they're labeled "gay" or "soft" by the people that are supposed to be their trusted friends and closest family members. suffering in silence and expected to self-soothe and usually end up isolating themselves or even self-medicating instead. it's heartbreaking.

everyone deserves to feel loved, heard, seen, and valued. 

no matter if you are a child or an adult, male or female, we all want to feel these things. 

we need to normalize accepting vulnerability without judgment when those we love share with us how they feel. sometimes all we need is just someone to listen, to truly hear us, to listen with intention. and this needs to exist in all relationships we have with one another; friendships, partnerships, and with family members. if we all crave it, then why are we unable to emotionally support the people we claim to love and care about? 

it's because it's scary; remember what i said at the start of this post? let's be real, it is not easy to let others know that we are suffering. it can be embarrassing to ask for help or we fear that our friends or family might look at us differently once we do admit it. Lauryn Hill says, "it's emotional warfare, being able to tell the people we love the most the truth about ourselves." and i cannot agree more. but once you do speak your truth, you will realize just how genuine that relationship you have with someone is or is not. you are not going to be aligned with everyone you meet, but you will be able to weed those people out once you do begin living in your truth. remember that you are a whole person, do not let anyone else tell you that only half of you is acceptable.