How Well Does Anyone Know You?

Thought for the day: How well a person knows you is more on you than the other person. How much of yourself do you bring to the table in order for people to really know you? When I was a teen I remember a period of time where I kept having the feeling/experience that no one knows me, and because of that I was feeling hurt and isolated. It hit me at a certain point that it was true, people didn't know me so well, but mostly because I wouldn't let anyone in, wouldn't show myself - the real me - because I was afraid, too vulnerable, insecure. I had put up so many walls no one could see me anymore. It was me that needed to change.

Now granted, feeling "known" has to begin with self, knowing and loving and appreciating ourselves goes a very long way towards feeling connected in our lives. And yes, surrounding ourselves with people who are caring, curious and interested in getting to know us for real also helps create this experience. But showing up. Deeply. Authentically. Sharing your weird. Your thoughts, ideas, hurts and joys. Preferences. That allows you to figure out who you are, and for others to see it too. Yup, you might run into a few who will yuck your yum, see you and think or say "yeah, that's a no from me dog" but you will also find yourself digging yourself, feeling more real, and finding a few weirdos just like you that really see you, and like what you're about, and want to get to know more. Showing who we are creates connection. How well a person knows you is more on you than the other person. How much of yourself do you bring to the table in order for people to really know you?