The Courage to Connect

Embracing Love and Vulnerability in a Wounded World

Photo by Anna Kolosyuk on Unsplash

If I said I’ve never been deeply hurt by someone, I would be lying. If I said I’ve never been so disappointed in a friend to the point that I didn’t know if I could keep them in my life, then I would be lying again.

When you truly get close to another person, you will see every side of them. You will see their good, their bad, and their imperfect, unhealed layers hiding beneath the surface.

In return, they will see yours.

Knowing other people— and I mean really knowing them— is not always fun or simple. Humans are messy beings. We are inherently complex, multifaceted, and unpredictable. We surprise each other in all the best (and worst) ways.

Humans are inherently complex, multifaceted, and unpredictable. We surprise each other in all the best (and worst) ways.

This is true for all of us. Nobody is an exception.

In this way, becoming close to someone can be a dangerous thing. It comes with certain guarantees, like getting hurt and feeling betrayed by love. No matter how wonderful and secure a relationship becomes, there will always be points of contention and sadness.

There is something else that’s also guaranteed.

Healing.

Regardless if the relationship is romantic or platonic, incredible things begin to happen when two souls come together in friendship and love.

It looks something like this:

1. The fear of the unknown is set aside.

2. Two people decide to trust each other, despite all the risk.

3. This trust turns into love.

4. Love begins to grow, slowly (don’t rush it).

5. Old wounds start to heal, creating space for new things to grow.

Photo by Michael Dziedzic on Unsplash

Real love, in its purest form, doesn’t shy away from the unhealed and troubled parts of us. It doesn’t waver or run away when it sees our mistakes and troubled pasts.

It sees everything, the best and the worst of us, and still stays.

Think about the most terrible thing you’ve ever done in your life. Unconditional love sees it, knows every detail of it, and says, “I love you anyway. I know this doesn’t define you. I know you are good.”

This is what it means to accept, to forgive, to have patience, and to show kindness— unconditionally.

Yes, loving another person can feel deeply hurtful at times, but the healing and positivity it can create in your life far exceeds any perceived risk.

The next time you feel afraid, remind yourself of what’s at stake here. The only way you can move forward in this life, the only way you can continue growing and evolving, is by opening your heart to people and loving them.

It’s not an option, but a necessity.

Dare yourself to love someone, despite the urge to run away and hide.

Yes, you will get hurt.

You will also grow in ways you never thought possible.

With gratitude,

💛🤍