Change.

Lately, I've been considering a lot about how people change. It's a fascinating concept, really. We spend all of our science classes discussing theories of evolution and how we physically change. Therefore, the focus is always on how people change in appearance as the be all end all. But what about how people change emotionally?

Typically, people don't like to show their emotions. It's a sign of weakness on the days when things aren't okay. It's a point of vulnerability when those around you know your emotions. It could easily be used against you. Obviously emotion implies a very temporary state, therefore a change in emotions will happen. Different things in life happen, so you will obviously feel different things at different times.

I think what is more important, is not how many emotions you have as the events of your life progress, but rather the existence and singularity of emotions and what you do with them. It's an abstract idea, I realize, but hear me out. When we were kids, we were all encouraged to feel something over every event. We were wide open and curious, not yet jaded by the events of life. But as time goes on, we slowly lose the ability to develop emotions because of how we have become jaded. If we can develop emotions, they're restricted to the simple things, like happiness or anger, whatever is easiest to stay numb.

On top of the development, or lack thereof, of emotions, comes what you do with them. Do you use them to let people in and be open? Or do you use it to push people away and hide how you feel? It's a scary concept deciding what to do with something so powerful, yet intangible. It's fascinating to me how much more powerful it is the emotions you show or hide rather than the emotions you have. In other words, it's more important whether or not you show it or not.

It's an incredibly abstract concept. I don't claim to know the answer, nor do I claim that I'm perfect in arranging and displaying my emotions. It's hard to say what you feel and show it, but there's something about being vulnerable that is freeing. There's no more hiding or second guessing, but rather what is exists out in the open. I would never claim to say that this is easy - rather it's quite intimidating and difficult to trust yourself to take such a large step. But ultimately, the prize you get from honesty and emotions is worth it the risks and fear.

Freedom.