Still Learning.

(These roots can go on for miles). Another paradox.

Lesson #2: It is in the midst of your greatest vulnerability that you discover your deepest strength.

We are raised with the lie, and we believe it. That invulnerability is strength. The tough outer shell, the impenetrable exterior armor. I'm only telling you this because I don't want you to get hurt. That is why we wear the mask. Razor-edged laughter instead of tears, crack the smile that splits your insides into so many shards swept under the rug, this cynicism, this apathy, deflection, protection, play the broken-record to forget we've lost reasons to in- or exhale, I-don't-care, I-don't-care, I-don't-care.

We are raised with the lie, but the truth is: This is not strength, but only fear.

Strength is the strip down to the bone. You don't need a vest if you can take the bullets. To be bare, to be honest, to cut your own heart out on that platter, to fight with the last that you have, to fight with the best that you have, to care enough to risk everything, to break, to bleed, to die.

Right here. At the end of the road. This place you call weakness. When you reach this place, you will find what it means to be strong. And you will marvel at how it feels to be alive.