vulnerability.

When I created this blog, I truly had no idea which way it would flow. I simply wanted to try blogging as an outlet and platform to surf through my thoughts. In my original post, I made the statement that I would be a little more intimate in that post than I would be in the future. As I continue to write and receive feedback, that statement is now false.

“…understand that being vulnerable is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength. It shows that you are in tune with yourself.” – Karamo Brown

After my last post (Matured by Mermaids), a dear friend followed my post by sharing, “I just want to give you a big hug… We need more of you in this world. I’m so proud to know you!! You have such a beautiful soul!!!” My response was simply a huge thank you for reading it and having such positive feedback. The following message said, “I can’t say enough about how much I love what you are writing!! The topics you are covering, the vulnerability, the honest and hard truth, we need this!!”

This reaction is giving me more confidence to write about a lot of different things I’d like to share with the world. Whether they reach one person or all the fish in the sea, it’ll be worth it.

I’ve titled this post, vulnerability because from here on out, I will be vulnerable with you all. I’d like to start by sharing an update to those goals I posted in my first post.

• I’m continuing my journey with fitness. Some weeks I work out one day, others I work out five days. It’s not consistent, but it’s working for me. Swim to your own current.
• Blogging is obviously taking off here. I didn’t know I’d enjoy writing so much. I’ve actually found a blog class so I can make my content better, and am looking into organizing this blog so it’s easier to follow and access.
• Piano… this one is still going with lessons every Thursday evening, however it’s definitely more difficult than I was anticipating. Once I can master reading music, I’ll master the keys.
• One new country and three new states. New country hasn’t happened (yet), but I have been able to visit two out of three states. I can scratch Oregon and Washington off my map.
• Less alcohol. Happy to report that for the months of January and February I went sober, cold turkey for a full 60 days. Although I will join in now for beverages, I’m still on my quest of eliminating liquor.
• Trying vegan for 30 days. I’m looking to accomplish this, this summer.
• Learning Italian.. I don’t dedicate as much time to this as I’d like, but I’m still learning. Passed my first test. Many more to go though.
• New job: woohoo!! In case you hadn’t heard, I did accept a new position about a month ago and couldn’t be happier with the transition.
• On the topic of going back to school. I was accepted into the program and school that I was hoping to attend this upcoming Fall. I haven’t accepted the offer yet… just making sure all my ducks are in a row before committing to another masters program.

These are my updates. Again, I encourage you all to hold me accountable with these aspirations. I’ll continue writing about topics I have strong feelings about, a poem that I need to get out, and/or just life updates.

“You can’t selectively numb feelings. So if you try to numb the vulnerability, you also numb joy, happiness, connection. You can’t have connection and joy and happiness without vulnerability.” – Jonathan Van Ness

I’ve spent enough of my life making myself numb to feelings and the world. Using this blog as an outlet and surrounding myself with cheerleaders, I give you my word to be more vulnerable and ask that you all ride the wave with me.