I stopped running. I looked into his eyes, held his gaze and saw him flinch. He was scared too. And in that moment, I saw something in him. I saw myself; my own fear, my own anxiety, my own shame. Taking a deep breath, I took a step closer, because finally I was ready to be known by someone; I was ready to know myself. ... I want more hugs in my life. I want more emotional intimacy. I want more physical intimacy. I want more openness, more vulnerability and more love. I want to take down barriers and nurture. I want to feel safe to share my soul. Intimacy begins with trusting ourselves. The more we are open, the more we trust, the more we give.... the more we receive. Photo credit: Jose A. Thompson