I think you are on point: we have to discover who we are first of all. And then just be.

I was often afraid of becoming vulnerable again after being hurt and I have built up higher walls in order to just protect my heart. It is a slow process to have the courage to approach people with an open heart. I think this meeting was more about me than coffee or him. I wanted to prove to myself that I should not be afraid to be myself and to be vulnerable. I caught my brain thinking : what if you make a fool of yourself? What if he will think that you are such a nerd? What if your kindness is taken as weakness? I decided to let those thoughts fly and be me. Regardless of the consequences.

I realize that the moment we stop caring how we are perceived and when we no longer feel the need to prove ourselves to anyone, it is in that very moment when we become a little bit more free.

It is not easy but I am sure that I will get better at becoming more open.