1. Do not, under any circumstances, stop singing or roll up your windows when you pull up at a stoplight next to another car. Let 'em hear you sing! Let 'em know that even in 2014, you still listen to Color Me Badd.
2. Remove the words "like," "kind of" and "ya" from sentiments directed at people you care about. Say, "I love you." And not, "I, like, kind of love ya."
3. If you have absolutely no plans and someone asks what your plans are, tell them you're completely free. It's OK not to have anything lined up. Who knows where things may lead if you let people know you're available?
4. Catherine Deneuve said, "People who know me know I'm strong, but I'm vulnerable." See, you can be both.
5. If you think something's funny, laugh. Even if no one else does.
6. Go see a movie alone. It will change your life.
7. Don't let being afraid of rejection stop you from pursuing a goal, whether it be love, the perfect job or asking to take a seat next to someone on the train.
8. "Be in it." A former acting teacher of mine used to say that when teaching the class how to tap into our real emotions for use when in character. He meant, don't try to escape feeling sad, hopeless, afraid or lonely. Instead, except what you're feeling, recognize your vulnerability, address it and allow the feelings to run their course.
9. Take a selfie with no makeup on and post it to Instagram a la Zooey Deschanel and Gwyneth Paltrow.
10. Be emotional. But recognize when you're on the verge of becoming a hot mess.
11. Eat lunch alone at a nice cafe with waiter service. Eating alone will seriously change your life.
12. Remember that we are all scared of putting ourselves out there.
13. My acting teacher also used to say, and I'm paraphrasing here, the cracks from a broken heart serve to let new love in. Point being: heartbreak can lead to good things. So go out there and let your heart get crushed!actingteacher
14. Listen to John Mayer. He's made millions by singing songs about being vulnerable. So has Chris Martin. And he said he'll continue "being open and vulnerable" in his music.
16. Vulnerability is necessary. Know that.
17. If you need more convincing, watch Brené Brown talk about the power of vulnerability here.
18. Cry when something makes you sad. Even if that something is the part in "Titanic" when Rose lets go of Jack's hand and he sinks into the depths of the Atlantic.
19. Don't run from awkward situations. Let them play out. Think of the stories you'll have to share years down the road.
20. It's a lot more work to pretend you're strong than it is to just be vulnerable. So stop. Unless you like doing unnecessary work.
21. Accept the vulnerabilities of others and maybe it will help you accept your own.
22. "To love is to be vulnerable." So said C.S. Lewis.
23. Be honest with yourself first and foremost. And try to be honest with others whenever possible.
24. Talk about yourself. How are people ever going to get to know you if you don't tell them who you are?
25. Take a trip alone. I guarantee it will change your life.
By Kendra Gilbert
The Purple Fig is a community where women share personal and relatable stories; no ego, no shame, no judgement. We're about life, love and all of the stuff that makes us yearn, squirm, and giggle. These stories make up the authentic and intriguing journey of a woman.
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