My new years resolution falls into this choice:

I am choosing to embrace vulnerability and live authentically.

My life has also felt significantly more worth living and beautiful and joyful with this understanding:

Life is all about being authentic, living vulnerably and loving with no guarantee. To realize that you are enough, and that your imperfections are what make you beautiful. Simply put, you are worthy of connection and belonging. These aren't just important to remember - they are fundamental. Make some goals, pursue them, know that all goals are fluid living things and WILL indeed change. Empathy and vulnerability drives connection, while sympathy and shame forces disconnection. Sometimes the best words you can say to a friend you don't understand is, "I'm just so glad you told me," or a friend you feel with and in their moment of hurt or shame, "Me too."

When we numb the hard emotions, we numb everything. We numb joy, gratitude, and happiness. Don't be afraid of being yourself, disappointing someone else's perception of how your life should be. Your life is your choice and when you start to believe your enough, and see the beauty that is life you will start to feel relaxed, confident, and loved.

If you read this far and feel like you need to spill or someone to talk to - i'd love to hear your story.