I'll add to the voices here mentioning vulnerability. I believe it takes strength and courage to choose vulnerability.
I am starting to recognize that the courage is required because it can be a filter. It isn't just the chance that a "nurse or phlebotomist" might judge you harshly, there are many people in the world that'll sooner reject than connect with you.
Still, if we are to be true to ourselves, perhaps vulnerability can minimize the total amount of pain in our lives. It'll take weighting the acute pain of rejection as vulnerable as lesser than the chronic pain of acceptance with insecurity.
I am starting to recognize that the courage is required because it can be a filter. It isn't just the chance that a "nurse or phlebotomist" might judge you harshly, there are many people in the world that'll sooner reject than connect with you.
Still, if we are to be true to ourselves, perhaps vulnerability can minimize the total amount of pain in our lives. It'll take weighting the acute pain of rejection as vulnerable as lesser than the chronic pain of acceptance with insecurity.
May we be so fortunate to choose.