"Choosing to be vulnerable and show my true self is why I chose to start my brand. It’s also why I chose to start a blog."
Shouldacoulda...
I should have been a spy. In my past life, I might have been a secret agent or a member of the CIA. Let me explain.
Growing up, I was a people person. During years 7–18, though, I was extremely secretive. I thought it was cool to not reveal too much about myself. “Girls like the mysterious guys” I guess. I still believe that revealing too much of myself can make me susceptible to attack and danger, but I am not nearly as dishonest as I was earlier in my life. As a kid and teenager, not only did I not reveal too much about myself, but I would also lie to people when questions became too personal. “Never let them know your next move” was my mantra. Life has a way of teaching you very tough lessons when you ignore the easy lessons for far too long. When I eventually suffered a breakdown and finally sought help, I began to gorge on self-help books and the teachings of individuals such as Neale Donald Walsh, Paulo Coelho, and Russell Simmons.
“Say your truth—kindly, but fully and completely. Live your truth, gently, but totally and consistently. Change your truth easily and quickly when your experience brings you new clarity.”
My late twenties was a renaissance period in my life, and a drastic change I made was being more honest with people; and myself. This honesty made me very vulnerable, and initially, it was quite unnerving. Over time, however, life became easier, and the new relationships I made were easier to maintain. Keeping up the ruse and maintaining a lie can get complicated—at least for me. This new way of living provided me with freedom but also made me vulnerable. This vulnerability attracted many positive individuals, but it also attracted some bad. Some people will take kindness for weakness and will exploit someone who appears to be vulnerable. Admittedly, these bad seeds and negative experiences almost derailed my journey. With therapy, consistency, and commitment, I am the guy that’s now talking to you about the Strength in Vulnerability. Being vulnerable doesn’t make you weak—it truly makes you strong. People with nothing to hide don’t get bogged down in wearing so much armor. This vulnerability brought about a fearlessness that I haven’t yet conquered, but a fearlessness that I intend to pursue. A professor-turned-mentor of mine told me to “continue to live my truth, and stop running. Stop running from my destiny.” I promised him I would. I intend to keep that promise. Despite my progress in life, I still have many insecurities that I try to mask. I’m still a being under construction.
Choosing to be vulnerable and show my true self is why I chose to start my brand. It’s also why I chose to start a blog. I have been writing stories and poetry for years now, but I haven’t always had the mettle to share them. Sharing my stories and experiences has only furthered my progression as a brand and an individual, and I never want to hide again. Ever.
