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Nobody gets through life without emotional bruises that shape many aspects of our identity. We experience heartbreaks, love that comes with strings attached, and some relationships that love and care altogether. We face failures and losses that make us doubt our skills or judgment. We fall sick and endure painful chapters like the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting our vulnerabilities. Confronting life’s challenges from a very early age, without the skills, strength, or understanding to handle them, leaves us bruised. We break, sometimes a little, sometimes a lot.
These broken parts within us are where we can let light in. Feeling lonely among friends can guide us toward seeking genuine connections and teach us the value of true friendships. Failing at something can motivate us to improve our skills and strengthen our determination. Experiencing the loss of a loved one, while deeply fracturing, can help us learn the true value of love and why we must express and act on it with those special to us.
Unfortunately, many of us are often unwilling or unable to let the light in. We work hard to bury and cover up our wounds, pretending they aren’t there. Instead of healing and becoming stronger, we let ourselves remain shattered and continue to hurt. We miss out on opportunities to learn and grow from painful experiences because we hide from them and make excuses to avoid facing them. As we keep pretending, we get weaker, hurt more, and make poor choices that lead to further pain. Ending this vicious cycle by transforming our broken and patched-up parts from wounds to windows, through which we can see things as they are is worthy of all effort. Becoming vulnerable this way takes a lot of courage, but it is the only way to heal, learn, and grow.
Most of us carry heartbreaks, failures, and pain that shape how we interact with the world. This isn’t inherently good or bad; it makes us unique. Some of the best connections, whether with friends, family, clients, or co-workers, form by having the patience and care to see through each other’s layers and illuminate the darkness through active listening. Since the beginning of time, sharing our stories and listening to others has bonded us and protected us from harm. Despite our fast-moving world, the formula for meaningful connections remains the same: shine your light through others’ cracks and allow them to illuminate yours.
– Burak Sarac, Team Lead
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