'I like that you talk'. So often I have been told that I talk too much, that I should stop, think before I speak, not say what's in my heart, hide away the self-sabotaging patterns I've worked so hard to shift, basically not bring all of myself to the table, because it's too much for people to handle. And then someone says that. 'I like that you talk.' It's not the first time someone's said it, and it won't be the last, but it hasn't been that common in my life up to now. And yet, I've persevered, because I felt like I couldn't breathe when I tried to hide myself from the world. It was suffocating. So instead I got told I scared people away, or was too intense, until the odd person comes along and says, 'Thank you. You make it easier for me to talk. I know where I stand with you. You say what you mean.' That's the most important thing, because, quite honestly, I don't have time to be second guessing people. If I expect honesty and clarity from other people, if I want someone to tell me what's going on for them, instead of being passive aggressive or expecting me to mindread, I'd better be willing to walk my talk. Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Your heart will thank you. . . Photo credit: @loveluella