The world we live in seldom encourages authenticity, at least not genuinely, I often feel. We may hear words of empowerment to be authentic, but when we do we are often reprimanded for being too real.

It’s not easy to choose kindness in every moment of our lives. Our world can be harsh and unforgiving, full of people who operate from survival mode desperate to take from others.

Fear is the reminder of boundaries not yet crossed. It defends against irreversible error by reminding each person what he cannot do and preventing him from moving where he is not ready to.

Vulnerability is an act of courage, that can lead us to deeper and more intimate connections. But being vulnerable is by no means easy or painless.