En Garde

For the longest time, I’ve constantly had my guard up, and even though it seemed to protect me to some extent, it made it difficult to build new relationships, because sharing no longer came naturally to me and being vulnerable? Yeah, forget it.

As I get older and meet more people, I’m coming to realise that constantly being guarded can keep out more than just disappointment, it can also keep out connection and the chance to be truly known by others.

Yes, boundaries are very important; not everyone should have unlimited access to you, and there is wisdom in being able to discern who you trust. However, there is a difference between healthy boundaries and impenetrable walls.

We were not made to go through life alone. We all need people we can laugh with, lean on, grow with, and learn from. Yes, opening up comes with some risk, but it also creates room for beautiful and meaningful relationships to grow.

So give genuine connections a chance; not everyone will hurt you, and not every story ends in disappointment.

All my love,

-Jhoye from MANI