I went to the event I was scared to go to. I spoke honestly about my fears and concerns. I talked about this different brain I have. I surprised myself by talking about how my heart had changed, too.

Somehow, I have been incredibly and deeply blessed in my life. The amazing souls in the room captured me after I leap off the edge of what had been secure and safe. The heard me. They helped me. They held me as I made my way to a soft landing.

I wasn’t expecting that. I was too afraid of what could go wrong to think about all that could go so very right.

I learned that it is okay to make the leap. I learned that the people who deserve a place in my life will always show gentle compassion and genuine concern. They will both wrap their arms around me and hold me firm by the shoulders- pressing me to be the best I can be. They will have stern but loving questions along with their soft smiles. This is a place I can land.

The room will not always be filled with friends, I know. But vulnerability is an invitation. It is the removing of barriers to say, “This is me. Join me if you like, leave me if you don’t.” It is in the moment that we embrace the risk of rejection that true connection happens.

I am so grateful for this lesson. I am so grateful for the people in my life. I am so grateful for the opportunities to be brave, to be bold, and to be scared. For in those, I truly live.

Give ‘Em Hell