To those who wear their hearts on their sleeves...

I don't exactly know how y'all do it. If I had to choose words to describe me I'm one hundred percent sure the phrase "wears her heart on her sleeve" wouldn't be one of them. Maybe words such as calculating, intentional, and critical, but not that particular phrase.

I've always prided myself in my ability to push my feelings to the backburner so that I could focus on what was right in front of me or what needed the most of my attention. I tended to associate strength not with the display of emotions but rather the ability to control them. However, in my nineteen years, I have come to the conclusion that it takes a lot more strength to wear your heart on your sleeve than most would think.

In a world where passive aggressiveness and hiding behind screens is a growing phenomenon, it's a revolutionary act to tell someone exactly how you feel face to face. It would be far easier to send someone a text detailing how their action affected you or worse attempting to pretend like it didn't happen so you don't have to do the heavy lifting of dealing with the problem.

People who wear their hearts on their sleeves are the definition of mind over matter. They subdue their fears of what could possibly go wrong in a scenario or how they could be perceived and unequivocally express their feelings.

These outliers are most likely to be labeled emotional or over dramatic when in reality they are most likely the most mature in the room. They say the things everyone is thinking but refuse to acknowledge. They're not completely fearless but manage to not allow fear to run their lives. They don't take the time to plan out interactions minute detail by detail but rather go after what they want without seeking permission from the outside world.

I can admit that being honest and open about my feelings isn't easy because once I lay it all out on the table it's no longer just my problem to deal with internally. I then have to face the music that I'm no longer in control of what the other person could say or choose to react. The easiest road would be to pretend to not care when something tugs at your heart. However, the healthiest road is to just face the music, stop planning, and act.

So if no one in your life appreciates your honesty and your overflowing of emotions, I do. As the pendulum of the culture has shifted to one "where appearing to be a savage" or unbothered is the new normal, pursuing transparency is heroic. Feelings and emotions aren't the enemies.

The real nemesis in this world is fear, it's imaginary, yet manages to dictate the moves of the masses. Your ability to put your heart out on the line time and time again is honorable and reeks of resiliency. You all truly make the world a better place