This week, I had an experience that reminded me of the profound courage it takes to be vulnerable and to keep showing up even when life gets tough. I’ve been fortunate to spend some time at Fort Freedom, a place dedicated to supporting veterans as they heal, rebuild, and embrace their next chapter. The environment there is one of resilience, mutual respect, and acceptance—a place where veterans come together not only to heal but also to help each other grow.
While some of the team was traveling for Fort Freedom, I stepped in to help with transportation for the veterans on campus. During one of these drives, I found myself in the car with two veterans, Sully and Justin. What started as a simple ride quickly evolved into a conversation that stayed with me.
A Conversation on Acceptance, Resilience, and Healing
As we drove, our conversation turned to some heavy but incredibly meaningful topics—acceptance, resilience, and the empathy needed to get through hard times. Both Sully and Justin spoke about the challenges they’ve faced, both in service and in life, and what it takes to keep moving forward. Sully, in particular, shared pieces of his background that painted a picture of both strength and hardship. He’s a retired vet with 20 years of service, and his experiences include multiple deployments and the kinds of challenges many of us can only imagine.
The depth of our conversation took me back to a moment I had recently at an Imagine Dragons concert. The lead singer paused halfway through the performance to talk about mental health and the importance of seeking help when you need it. He opened up about his own journey, sharing that he’s been in therapy since he was young, and how essential it’s been to take mental health seriously throughout his life and career. He spoke about breaking down the stigma around mental health and encouraged everyone in the audience to do the same.
He then introduced a song called “Walking the Wire,” which speaks to resilience, grit, and the courage it takes to keep going even when the path is unclear. I remembered that moment vividly, and I shared it with Sully and Justin before playing the song for them in the car.
The Healing Impact of Music and a Shared Experience
As the song played, I noticed something remarkable. Within about 90 seconds, Sully’s expression changed as he absorbed every word, every chord. He began to tear up, overcome by the emotions brought to the surface by the music and our conversation. When he looked at me with tears in his eyes, he said, “I’m comfortable now with being vulnerable.”
In that single moment, I saw an incredible display of courage. Here was a man who had witnessed some of the hardest things life can throw at you, a man who had served his country for two decades, embracing vulnerability as part of his healing process. And that, to me, was nothing short of inspiring.
It’s a powerful reminder of the healing that can happen when we open ourselves up, share our stories, and accept our emotions. For Sully, and for so many veterans at Fort Freedom, healing means facing parts of themselves that may have been buried for years. It means being willing to feel—to really feel—and to let others in, even if it’s uncomfortable.
What We Can Learn from Vulnerability
Sully’s story, and his willingness to be open, embodies a lesson for all of us. Vulnerability isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a testament to strength. It takes resilience to look at your past, confront pain, and still choose to move forward with empathy and acceptance. And, crucially, it takes a supportive community like Fort Freedom—a place where veterans can feel safe, understood, and empowered in their journey.
I walked away from that drive with a deep sense of gratitude—not only for the opportunity to connect with these veterans but also for the reminder of what it means to be resilient. It’s about embracing the tough times with open arms, accepting where we are, and working through it together. Whether it’s through music, conversation, or community, we all have the tools to heal. Sometimes, we just need the courage to use them.
Creating Spaces for Healing and Growth
Fort Freedom is a place where veterans like Sully and Justin can be themselves and find the support they need to keep growing. It’s also a testament to the power of vulnerability and connection. I’m continually inspired by the work being done there and by the strength of the veterans who show up for themselves each day.
If there’s one takeaway from this experience, it’s that we can all find power in being open with ourselves and with others. Vulnerability may feel risky, but as Sully showed me, it can also be the key to healing and self-discovery.
Here’s to creating more spaces where we can share openly, support each other, and build resilience together. And if you’re curious about the song that inspired this moment, here’s “Walking the Wire” by Imagine Dragons—a reminder of the strength that lives in all of us.
Closing Thoughts
When we embrace vulnerability, we don’t just heal ourselves—we inspire others to do the same. Sully’s story is a testament to that, and I’m honored to be part of his journey in some small way. Here’s to all of us taking one step closer to self-acceptance, resilience, and the power of community.
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