The problem with armour is that its so dang heavy! Carrying around so much armour, as we all do, is the thing that drags us down and holds us back. The defence we formed after what person said to offend us, the regret over that failed relationship that taught us not to be so open in future, the missed opportunity for connection that makes us fear missing the next one…all these things add to the armour we carry and only serve to get in the way of being truly open, and vulnerable.

So what does less armour look like? Well, for a start less armour is risky. We run the risk of being damaged in some way, of suffering a repeat of that experience that hurt us so deeply. Its a scary proposition, to imagine not having defences against hurt.

It also feel wrong to discard something that feels so hard-won. After years of battles, internal and external, that armour seems to have value, to be worth more than its individual parts. It feels like it’s a part of us, like another skin thats seemingly impossible to shed.

But what if instead of relying on the artificial armour we wear on the outside to protect us, we instead craft a deeper inner strength, hewn of clear thoughts, bold decisions, and a faith in right action? What if our new armour is small, but perfectly formed, created by us, and not by the actions of others. What if it lives in us, not around us?

The energy is takes to be on guard, to prop up that external armour and keep our indignation fresh at all times, might be better spent developing a still, strong core thats easier to carry around, and easier to let others engage with.