Not my words, but it is time for me to embrace them!

'I think midlife is when the Universe gently places her hands upon your shoulders, pulls you close, and whispers in your ear:

I’m not screwing around. It’s time. All of this pretending and performing – these coping mechanisms that you’ve developed to protect yourself from feeling inadequate and getting hurt – has to go.

Your armor is preventing you from growing into your gifts. I understand that you needed these protections when you were small. I understand that you believed your armor could help you secure all of the things you needed to feel worthy of love and belonging, but you’re still searching and you’re more lost than ever.

Time is growing short. There are unexplored adventures ahead of you. You can’t live the rest of your life worried about what other people think. You were born worthy of love and belonging. Courage and daring are coursing through you. You were made to live and love with your whole heart. It’s time to show up and be seen.''      Author: Brené Brown

"Bruised not Broken"  Joss Stone

Several years ago I began going to a "Gifts of Imperfection"  book group and was so traumatized by the act of being vulnerable, that I dropped out after 2 or 3 meetings...I was able to hide my fear for a while but knew I would soon be exposed...and I left.  I left rather than letting anyone know how truly confused and vulnerable I was.