'I'm lovin' your light, vulnerable
Lettin' your guard down, it's honorable
Especially when, the past ain't been that
Friendly to you, but, there's magic in that'
-J. Cole
^ A glimpse into one of my current song obsessions. When I first heard “Pretty Little Fears” by 6lack, I was immediately drawn to the calm and effortless vibe he carries throughout the song. And of course, J. Cole’s feature was an added bonus—always a fan.
If you're anything like me, you find a song you love and play it on repeat until you know every lyric like the back of your hand. This one was simple enough that I was singing along to the chorus after just a few listens. But it wasn’t until I got to the lines above that I found myself stuck for days.
See, I’m the kind of person who likes to understand the meaning behind things, and I couldn’t quite grasp why “lovin’ your light” would be followed by “vulnerable,” or why “letting your guard down” would be followed by “honorable.” It felt backward.
I was puzzled by the idea that being a light could have anything to do with vulnerability.
It wasn’t until I was writing a blog about gratitude that the pieces started to fall into place. In that post, I explored why it’s so difficult for us to express the things we truly appreciate. We all crave recognition, a sense that we matter to others, but we often hold back from sharing how much we value the people in our lives. It’s almost as if we fear that expressing our feelings of appreciation will lead to loss—loss of connection, loss of closeness, or even rejection. As I reflected on these ideas, I realized just how vulnerable it is to be a source of light in someone else’s life.
Sure, it’s widely acknowledged that confronting others about negativity, about our pains or insecurities, requires vulnerability. But rarely do we pause to recognize how much courage it takes to step into the world and shine a light—to share the positive, to offer encouragement, to lift others up.
There’s a certain ease in being vulnerable when it comes to expressing pain. When you’re already in a place of hurt, it can feel like there’s nothing left to lose. But to offer light—especially when it’s not guaranteed to be received with warmth—requires an entirely different kind of vulnerability. It’s a risk. You risk being met with denial, rejection, or indifference. You risk others dimming your light. And in that sense, being a light in someone’s life is a form of vulnerability with deep emotional stakes.
I’m not writing this to dissuade anyone from being a light in the world—quite the opposite, in fact. Yes, there is risk in shining brightly, but the rewards far outweigh the potential losses. You not only enrich the lives of others, but you also unlock the fullest version of yourself. When you can connect with the purpose and passion that allow you to shine, it elevates not only you but the world around you.
Instead, my aim here is to honor the lights in our lives and remind everyone to take a moment to appreciate those who continue to be a beacon of light in your life. The people who consistently pick you up, even when they don't even mean to do it. The ones who match your energy and make life seem simple. And though expressing appreciation can be terrifying, it’s important to recognize just how vulnerable it can be for someone to offer their light in the first place.
To the ones reading this who may feel like your light is unnoticed: I see you. I see the energy, the care, and the unwavering support you offer, even when it’s not explicitly acknowledged. Your light is valuable—whether or not it is recognized in the moment. There are countless people who rely on the warmth you provide, and the world is undoubtedly better because of your presence.
Though it may not always be easy, continue doing what allows you to thrive, to find joy, and to spread your light. The world needs you—your radiance, your energy, your authenticity.
So, keep shining.
GOOD VIBES ONLYYYY,
-Kenzie
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