Every time I go on a trip I learn something new about myself.

This time: Vulnerability.

I know so many of us will not admit our struggles with becoming vulnerable whether it’s for a love interest or even our career.

Especially when blogging you have to be vulnerable, and at times you feel as though I’m not ready to take it to that point of being transparent. Listen, I’ve been there. I’m constantly faced with the issue of over sharing, or not sharing enough. Finding that middle ground can be the hardest journey because you will come to a point in your life again that says, “I’m not ready to share that, or I never will.”

I spent the weekend in North Carolina wrapping up my last class for the Center for Documentary Studies program. I spent hours upon hours of writing with a New York Times bestselling author and I enjoyed every minute of it. We had the option of sharing our pieces with the group after each exercise was over, and allowed time to provide positive feedback after each sample writing assignment. It was liberating, challenging, and enlightening to know where and how my manuscript can go in a different direction.

Can I be honest for a second?

Sitting on the aircraft for my return flight I’m feeling empty. North Carolina was my second home for almost five years and it definitely has a special place in my heart.

I didn’t get a chance to spend as much time with people that I absolutely adore, and after a long weekend of writing I didn’t have time for anything else besides rest.

The feedback that I received in the class allowed me to be open to the possibilities of where my storytelling can actually take me.

I had one thought while in the airport waiting to board.

If I can be vulnerable with my writing, why am I struggling with vulnerability in the love department? I’ve never been one to let it flow in that area. I would rather you tell me what it is up front instead of assuming about the future plans when it comes to “us.”  At the end of the day I realized I was guarded, and that’s no way to let love in.

After this trip I learned to be vulnerable in my delivery of MY STORY both on the blog and love.  It’s the Year of Completion, and I don’t want the lack of vulnerability to keep me from what I truly deserve.

Chat soon!

XOXO,

RJ