Exposed

I've always said being open and vulnerable is the only way to be. In a sense, I think it's the only way I know how to be. Apart from my constant persistence at hiding, a part of me wants to be exposed. I feel that exposing yourself forces you to face who you are - and with that comes acceptance. And with acceptance comes healing. At least, that is my hope. Perhaps there is someone out there in a world beyond my immediate reach who is searching for affirmation to know they are not alone. That their struggle is important. That there is hope. And commonality. Even if it's from a post by someone they've never met.

I am tired of wondering if certain people will get offended by certain things. Of worrying if I've said too much. Of hiding who I am. I'm tired of stigmas, judgments, and molds that I refuse to fit into. I'm tired of the pressure to keep myself in a neat little package so I look pretty to everyone. Maybe if we all started being honest about ourselves, it wouldn't be such a radical occasion? Shouldn't honesty be what sets us apart? Shouldn't that be worth something?

I want to be real. I want my art to be real. I would rather sit in silence than censor myself. And if you're out there reading this - I challenge you to be bold with me. Let your voice be heard. Be free. Be yourself. There's no one else like you. Some of us may be broken, scarred, jaded, and complete wrecks at times. But you're still you. I'm still me. No one else can be us. We are beautiful and loved and unique. Knowing that, we should all be fighting like hell to embrace ourselves.