Over the years, it's easy to build armor around our hearts. We put ourselves out there, get hurt, and say oh that's not for me. | We begin to build these walls, "to protect" our hearts, from pain yes, but also, from true, meaningful connection. | We want more than anything to be seen, heard and loved, but we don't want to risk be rejected. | We crave belonging but are too scared to be our truest selves. | Our journey inward, to deconstruct of these walls is the scariest and most rewarding journey. | I spent most of my youth feeling paralyzed by anxiety and constantly worrying if people liked me. | Learning how to be yourself in a world that is constantly judging you is HARD. | To allow yourself to be seen and to build up the resilience to be ok when not everyone likes you, because let's face it, there will be people who don't like you, is HARD. | It is hard, but it's also necessary. | We need more brave people willing to be themselves. | We need to be our honest selves to find true belonging and connection. . . Is this something you've struggled with? If you feel comfortable sharing your story below you never know who it might help. . . Thank you @lumynphotography for these glorious shots π . . #wildwoman #outdoorboudoirphotography #outdoorboudoir #frankiesbikinis #aeriereal #mountaingirls #mountaingirl #coloradobabes #bikinilover #lovelivingincolorado #coloradolife #coloradolifestyle #photoshootfun #optoutside #livewildbefree #getoutside #mountainliving (at Boulder, Colorado) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzwCMaBHm1Q/?igshid=11sj0anxloi3w