Life has taught me to keep people at a distance, to not trust, to not depend, to not open myself up. People have seldomly shown themselves to be worthy of confidence, and so I live a guarded life, involving as few people as possible and relying on others with extreme rarity. As a writer, I have found a nuanced balance between allowing people into the darkest recesses of my past and psyche while simultaneously never letting anyone in or forming attachments. I have subconsciously programmed my existence to avoid actions and circumstances that encourage and form intimacy between myself and another human. I recently started ruminating on these things because someone came into my life, who makes me question the way I live my life and how guarded I am. She simply does not allow the self-contained complacency I have grown accustomed to in my relationships. For the first time in a very long time, I am being challenged to crack open my soul and live authentically and the terrifying bit is that I want to allow my vulnerabilities to be seen and create space for the possibilities of more. Part of that is admitting and actively working on all the ways I have isolated myself from people who have and do show up for me, so here is a list of eleven things I avoid: https://onthebl.org/2022/01/03/11-tidbits-of-life-i-avoid-at-all-costs/ On a vastly different note, I really love the back of this dress. And I should wear a flower crown again sometime soon. #onthebl11 #listicle #relationshipgoals #honestconversation #mentalhealth #wlw #houstonwriter #freelancewriting #avoidance #attachment #houstonwriting #reclaimingvulnerability #beingvulnerable #meetingnewpeople #backlessdress #backless #flowercrown #houstontexas #texaswriter #trustingpeople #lettingpeoplein #liketkit @liketoknow.it https://liketk.it/3vcFS