At an event at The Museum of Broken Relationships tonight, I asked the artist Morley (whose work is featured in the image for this post) which piece he's created that has been the most vulnerable to share with the world. I asked it because I imagined some of his work has probably been quite personal and perhaps even somewhat difficult to share at times. I know that, for me, the things I so often feel compelled to share with others -- the things that make my heart race and my palms get sweaty -- can seem so scary to put out there for other people's eyes and ears, and yet that is probably an indication that they are the very things worth sharing. As Morley said tonight, people relate most to things that are both vulnerable and honest.
So as I was sharing pictures from tonight, I realized that I was kind of avoiding posting this particular picture of me with a message that resonates with me so deeply. I realized it's because it feels so vulnerable to admit how breakable I often feel, and it almost seemed embarrassing to post that for people to see. I don't want any of this to sound dramatic or depressing because I genuinely love life and always want to make the most out of it that I possibly can. Life is something I take joyfully and gratefully but definitely not lightly. As a result, I often feel things deeply, which can be both a blessing and a curse. People, words, actions, my own regrets -- they all stick with me for a long time. So I often envy people who seem to be able to effortlessly kick logic and rationality into high gear in order to overcome things like failures and shame and heartache.
Honestly, I'm even afraid to post this caption because of what people might think -- like maybe I'm writing "too much" or sharing "too much" or feeling way too sorry for myself. Maybe I am. But I'm not sharing these late-night thoughts because I think I'm so unique and special; in fact, I'm sharing this because I really don't think I'm that special at all -- just human. We all have our worries, our struggles, our insecurities, and our obstacles to overcome. We are all fragile when it comes down to it. We are all breakable. And I find it kind of beautiful. I hope we can all start admitting it a little more often so we can all feel a little bit less alone. ❤
Sidenote:
To follow the amazing artist, Morley, check out his work at the following links:
Also at the event this evening was one of my all-time heroes, Frank Warren of PostSecret. If you don't know what PostSecret is, then you are in for a treat! Follow it here, and you won't regret it!:
Last but not least, if you are ever in the Los Angeles area, do yourself a favor and stop by The Museum of Broken Relationships: