Candlelight Conversations

Recently I've found myself disinterested in small talk, but then I realize it's just an excuse to avoid people. "People are just a source of pain and mistrust." -- My brain. But no! Is it better to love and lose love or to never love at all? It's not that silly of a question, especially when you're in the mix of emotions. Ugh... people make things complicated.

I'm so thankful for the people in my life however, really and truly, wouldn't be around without them.

Today's sharing from the heart is about opening-up, what does it look like and why should we do it?

Opening-up to someone can be scary -- the vulnerable feelings tied to revealing ourselves (typically the sensitive areas) can be unsettling. When I was younger, I got into a habit of telling my family and friends my heart problems (non-physical), so that whenever something popped up in life someone else knew what was going on and could be an ear.

Some saw this as a weakness, as if I couldn't carry my own weight, but I knew better deep down.

Now in my early 20's I still branch out to those close to me in confession and sincerity. Of course, I still keep some critical areas close to chest as not to allow a single person to hold all the cards (except my wife, whenever I get married), as there is such as knowing to much.

When digging through the mess in front of another, it's key to focus on the reason behind the vulnerability. It's one thing to ask for help in an area, for prayer or financial assistance, whatever it may be -- it's another thing completely to be reliable on another individual.

There comes a time when a boy is a man, a girl is a woman, and he/she needs to own their identity. The media will try to paint a cardboard cutout for you to shrink or grow into, but don't do it! Be yourself!

This week I tried to stop caring what others think of me (really hard habit to break after two+ years of... well... thinking on just that.) As I discussed with the more put-together people at school on this topic the consensus was >>>

CONFIDENCE IS FOUND IN NOT CARING WHAT OTHERS THINK.

There you have it.

We tell people our problems not for sympathy's sake, but because there is unity when things of the heart are presented. In sharing personal stuff, others get a peek inside the real you. Then, depending on the recipient's heart and emotional status, they can hopefully pour back into you something of substance.

It hurts when you're open with someone and they don't reciprocate those feelings. There have been some times in my college career when I presented a sensitive topic and it was brushed aside. We can't let those things discourage us however, because believe it, someone does care for you!

We all develop at different rates, and therefore need to be conscious of where we are at compared to the person we're talking to. Rushing a heart-issue is just as bad (if not worse) than skipping over it.

Emotional health IMO is more important than physical health, because if your emotion's are our of check you're a percentage closer to being physically ill on top of that! Also, suicide is the number one killer of teenagers... number... one.

But yeah, opening-up doesn't sound fun, however once the process has begun and the feelings are on the table, healing can come.

Don't let fear dictate where you go in life.

Don't let fear " " anything.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BONUS TIP:

Listen to music A LOT -- find your style and play music constantly, in the car, around the house, in the shower, and watch your life turn into a movie.