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BEHIND WALLS
PROFILE: WALLS FELT SAFERYou learned to protect yourself - and now you’re longing for connection.You’ve built walls in places where you actually want doors and a welcome mat.You know what it’s like to be surrounded by people and still feel unseen. To keep parts of yourself hidden - not because you don’t care, but because being open once felt unsafe.Others may see you as private, independent, or self-sufficient. Underneath, though, there’s a quiet longing to be known - to be cherished - without getting hurt.You learned how to protect something precious.And now, that protection may be costing you the very connection you want.Why the walls make senseAt some point, your nervous system learned:Being vulnerable leads to painPeople leave when they really know youIt’s safer to rely on yourselfTenderness is something to guard closelyMaybe you were betrayed.Maybe you grew up having to be strong.Maybe you showed your real self once - and paid for it.Your walls weren’t a mistake.They helped you survive.But what once kept you safe may now be keeping you lonely.What the walls are costing you💔 Feeling alone, even in relationships💔 Connections that stay polite but shallow💔 Exhaustion from carrying everything yourself💔 A quiet ache to be seen and loved💔 You‘re tied to past stories that limit you💔 The irony: walls meant to prevent abandonment can create isolationPeople can’t cherish what they’re not allowed to see.The fear beneath the wallsOften the fear isn’t connection - it’s being known and still rejected.So the wall says:If I don’t let you close, you can’t hurt me.That makes sense.But walls don’t just keep pain out.They keep care out too.Your gentle practice: one small openingThis week, try one small, true sharing with someone who feels reasonably safe.Not your deepest wound.Not everything at once.Just something real.For example:“I’m actually nervous about this.”Sharing a memory you don’t usually tell.Admitting you’re struggling instead of saying “I’m fine.”Asking for small help you’d normally handle alone.Notice:What fear shows up?What story your mind tells?What actually happens?This is how walls become doors —not by tearing them down, but by opening doors a little at a time.How the CHERISH Mosaic supports youAt the heart of the CHERISH Mosaic is this invitation:Discover the real, quirky, valuable humanity in yourself and others- and how relationships can become places where both people softenand grow.In our The CHERISH Mosaic community:🌿 Vulnerability is modeled, not demanded🌿 Emotional safety is felt, not just words🌿 Small risks are honored🌿 Growth is allowed to be slow and human🌿 Walls soften more easily when we’re not alone.If you recognize “Behind Walls” in someone you loveThey’re not cold or rejecting - they’re protecting something tender.What helps:Patience instead of pressureSmall invitations, not demandsYour vulnerability firstGentle consistency over intensityA cherishing response sounds like:“I see you’re protecting someone precious. I’m present with you. No pressure.”When love feels safer than fear, walls slowly give way to doors.Safety includes respectful boundaries.What’s possible:Imagine relationships where:✨ You don’t have to be strong all the time✨ Being real leads to closeness, not punishment✨ Your tenderness is met with care✨ Protection comes from wise boundaries, not isolationThis isn’t about becoming naïve.It’s about learning that some people can see you, cherish you, and stay - and that you can learn to cherish yourself and otherYour next step (choose what feels right)You can do this work on your own - but we often grow better with support.You‘re welcome to explore how The CHERISH Mosaic can help you learn to cherish yourself and others more🌿 Free community (Website plus ) - articles, reflections, and Fireside Chats🔥See Fireside Chats times on our Website.We discuss our Quiz resultswww.thecherishmosaic.comFollow us on Instagram and FacebookAll Links on Website belowJEANNI for The CHERISH Mosaic
