I am glad that my vulnerability and honesty have made people feel understood

Don’t try to do what you think people will find interesting or what might present you as “relatable.” That is not something you can control. It’s a consequence of being your true self and speaking your truth. Once people recognize that in you, they’ll believe in what you have to say.

how are we supposed to grow into our most self-selves if we are too scared of what other people might think of us?

Make mistakes. Say things that are wrong. Say something that comes from the heart. We are in dire need of authenticity and anyone who puts themselves out there and says how they truly feel is admirable.