no one gets through life wondering what the fuss was all about. the truth is, our heart will likely break more than once in this lifetime. and if we're lucky, it will break open rather than apart. but while our heartache might be inevitable, our attempts to shelter others from it only hurts us in the end. there is no shame in asking for help, especially for those predisposed to that fueling feeling when being of service to others. after all, we can't be the only ones deriving purpose from providing. so the next time we find ourselves hiding when we'd rather be showing and telling, let's push pause. maybe this time can be different. maybe this time we might allow ourselves to be fully present with our pain. and just maybe, we will even ask another to be there both for and with us. 📸: celine cao