I think everyone to some extent knows that what’s right isn’t always what feels good. Our society constantly pushes things like “Be strong,” and “stay positive,” which gives us the idea that if we ignore whatever “negative” emotions we have, they will naturally resolve themselves and we will be happy. More importantly, It gives us the idea that in order to be socially accepted, loved, or even liked, we have to be happy all the time.

In my opinion, ignoring painful feelings and avoiding conflict is the easy way out. It’s a temporary fix that keeps our true selves hidden in the dark. We may “feel” better or happier by not bringing the hard stuff up, but in the end, you’re just further burying what needs to be brought to the light. People don’t grow in secrecy. People can’t connect on a deep and meaningful level if we’re so blocked off.

This definitely isn’t always an easy way to live. People inherently often feel pride and shame, which is hard to push past. But I would like to challenge you in that. Pushing past your fears and insecurities is the only thing that will truly start to relieve you of them.

When we keep to ourselves and let those fears get in the way of being who we really are or saying something we really need to say, it may feel safe and easy, but all that truly does is deepen the fear of letting people in.

It is human nature to crave connection. We all need to feel like we belong and we all need to feel like we are loved. If you're connected to the people around you on a superficial level, it is impossible to feel entirely and unconditionally loved. If those people don’t know the true you, both the good and bad, down to the core, you will never feel unconditionally loved.

The thought of opening up and risking rejection is absolutely terrifying, but personally, I would rather be with the people who know me to the depths of my soul and accept me for that than those who like me for the accomplishments I’ve made in my life.

When you start to practice letting people in, wholly and fully, despite your fear, you will start to notice a deeper appreciation for the people around you. You will start to notice, that because of your honesty and vulnerability, they have begun to open up a little more too.

Disclosure: It’s not going to feel good. When you start to open up and be honest with both yourself and those around you, you may discover that there are things deep down that you didn’t even know were there. But in that pain comes healing. And by practicing this for yourself, you may encourage others to do the same. This is a revolution that starts from within. It might not be fun, but I promise you, it’s worth it.