There was a kid named Johan who left a lasting impression on me.
One day, after school, he asked, “Kendal, why aren’t you playing soccer with us?”
I paused.
And then, honestly, I told him: I don’t.
I was embarrassed.
I didn’t have a car.
I didn’t have fifty dollars to pay the fee.
And my only ride was the bus that ran back and forth to my reserve.
We were living on social assistance.
Every day, we collected cans and bottles.
We pawned our belongings just to make it to school.
These were not things I felt proud of as a kid, so I rarely spoke about them.
Back then, I just wanted to be accepted.
It’s funny how that desire doesn’t really leave us as adults—it just changes shape.
We still crave acceptance, now in the form of validation in our work, recognition from our peers, or acknowledgment from those we respect.
That validation can be the nudge we need to step into a new level of our lives.
Johan’s simple question reminded me that vulnerability isn’t a weakness—it’s a bridge.
When we open up, even just a little, we connect with people and we invite the possibility of growth, acceptance, and transformation.
So, the next time you feel embarrassed or unworthy, remember: honesty and courage are far more powerful than pretending everything is fine.
Your story, your struggle, and your perseverance can inspire more than you know.
hiy hiy
