How to be vulnerable and open

So I read a friends blog where she talked about vulnerability and openess and it has been on mind since I read it.

I rarely allow myself to feel vulnerable, let others see my inner heart or expose myself because I fear being hurt and rejected. While I like to stand up for what I believe in or the underdog when it comes to me and what I want I stay quiet and reserve all emotions and feelings. When I feel myself getting close to someone I put up the walls up so high I sometimes can't even tear them down myself. I know I trust the individual but I fear being hurt. Yes, there are a few individuals that I trust with my most inner fears, thoughts, dreams and hopes for the future but I don't really tell them how I feel about them. 

My friends post really made me think that the only way I can progress in life is if I learn to tear down my walls, not build them, and not be so guarded. Heaven knows I have some regrets of wishing I had been more honest and truthful with some people. I sometimes wonder what if I had or could have told them what I really thought or how I felt or just given them that simple hug.  

I tense up sometimes with some people who are natural huggers. I have no problem hugging my nieces and nephews it comes naturally; probably because I love them so much and I feel safe with them. I have been working on this; so if you know me and you are hesitant to hug me because you know I am not a natural hugger, go ahead I need to get over it and repetition will break down that wall.