Sometimes it’s hard to talk. The things that you hold closest to your heart are sealed away for the greater good. It’s better to pretend that you’re normal; that you have no baggage. We forget that right now, it’s normal to have baggage. There is not a person on this planet that has had the perfect life—even if it may appear that way. We have to remember that the secrets we hold only get worse the longer we hold them. You know how it feels when you reveal something personal to someone that cares about you. It feels like a giant weight has been lifted off your chest; like you can breathe again. So, why do we suffocate ourselves when we know how it feels to breathe?

I developed this trick when I was younger. When people would ask me questions about myself, I would ramble on about different subjects so no one could pinpoint the truth. That way, they would think they got too much information and back off, instead of being more curious about just one thing. I didn’t even realize I was doing it, at first. It was so natural to build up walls made of words. I was a storyteller, making up tale after tale and feeding it to whoever would listen. Eventually, I grew sick of making up stories. My body literally rejects lies now; I can’t tell them to anyone. I get all quiet and I can’t look you in the eye and I start shaking and it is a mess!

Liars never prosper, I guess.

This wasn’t supposed to be a rant, oops. My whole point is that it’s unhealthy to keep things inside. There are many secrets—many awful ones—that bend us so far, our spines feel permanently curved from the ache. The irony here is that it’ll be much easier on you if you let someone else straighten you back out again. It’s hard to trust people, sometimes insanely so. Just remember that if they’re asking, it’s not out of obligation. It’s because they care about you. Take a deep breath and let yourself feel something again. I was reminded recently that life is short, and if you’re not prepared it’s gonna sweep the rug out from under you. Don’t waste your time wondering if the person sitting next to you is going to say something first. Take that chance.