I want to focus on a couple of these:
Vulnerability and Meaningful Connection.

Vulnerability is often cast in a negative light. Most of the definitions that you'll see for it, at a brush, say something about weakness and ease of injury. But it applies to and is really at the core of a lot of deeply human actions and interactions. Without it there is no courage, growth is severely limited, and it is difficult to build meaningful connections.

In an interpersonal context, it means taking chances. It means being true to oneself, and letting other people get to know who that is. Opening oneself up to the potential for failure and pain, but going ahead anyway. To have the courage to show a weak spot, the trust to know that it won't be abused by those we hold close, and the fortitude and self-assurance to withstand potential misuse of that information.

Unfortunately, not everyone earns the same level of vulnerability. Some people prove themselves to be abusive in some respect, and it is not safe to let them in. They only get to see the surface that anyone else sees, and in some cases, it is best to limit our time with them as much as possible to avoid further abuse. It would be wonderful if we could all be equally vulnerable with everyone we meet, but it isn't practical.

I crave deep connections with people. I want to know them - who they are at their core. I want to understand them better so I can empathize with them more. I want to learn from them. Have experiences with them. Share the world and what limited time we have.

There is a great deal of vulnerability in getting close to other people; in sharing sensitive parts of our past - both the good and the bad. But also, unfortunately, in the long run. There will always be the unavoidable parting of ways, whether by physical or emotional distance, or our inevitable mortality. It is painful to know people. But it is worth it many times over for what they bring into our lives. The ways in which they leave impressions upon us. Broadening, enriching, and elevating our existence. How they help effect change within us; for better or for worse. (In the case of worse, giving us an opportunity to take those lessons learned and invest them into personal growth.)

This reminds me of a couple songs.
"For Good" from the musical "Wicked": https://youtu.be/wYTeyNB1k5g
"Who can say if I've been changed for the better, but because I knew you, I have been changed for good."
And "Castles" by Freya Ridings: https://youtu.be/H-3rxh8kZHE
"I'm gonna build castles from the rubble of your love... I'm gonna be more than you ever thought I was"

There is a quote from the movie "Meet Joe Black" that strikes me deeply:

"... because she knows the worst thing about me, and it's okay."

It is in reference to a romantic relationship, but I strive for that level of connection with others, as well. That I can lay myself bare, in all my eccentricities, peculiarities, and complexities, and that people will still want to have me around. I want to be known and liked for who I am, even despite my shortcomings and the dark parts of my past. I would rather be me alone, than pretend to be someone else and be surrounded by false friends and shallow lovers.

Part of the process to achieve those deep connections is to be vulnerable. I'm a very open person. There almost aren't any "taboo" topics with me. For the right people, they can ask any question, no matter how personal, and I will do my best to give a thoughtful and honest answer. Though I may pause to think about things for a bit to make sure I'm taking everything pertinent into consideration. I value giving full and honest responses. I want people to be informed in their decision making. So if they ask me a question in earnest, I will respond in kind.

Not everybody needs to know everything, as previously noted and as a matter of relevance. But I find that the kinds of conversations where I feel true connection with people are the conversations in which we are peeling back a layer of our hardened shells to reveal a piece of who we really are. There is a strange level of satisfaction - that isn't quite the right word - when someone trusts us enough to reveal something sensitive about themselves. It's like when an animal feels comfortable enough to crawl up in one's lap and sleep. The level of trust in that act is heart-warming, endearing, and can fill one with a sense of belonging, and ultimately, self-confidence and connection. It feels good.

The worst things that have happened to me and that I have done, I have spoken aloud and shared with people that I chose to let in. I have faced my abusers with empathy and forgiveness. It's only when I started talking about certain things more openly that I was able to process them and work through them. And learn that other people have struggled in similar ways that nobody talks about until the first person says something. 

By shedding light on the dark parts of my life, I have taken control of them. I have learned from them. In the process, I have become someone who makes better decisions, protects & stands up for myself, and wraps myself in embrace when I most need it; someone who can take a step back and process things from a more logical standpoint, especially when it comes to my emotional responses. I understand myself better and have an easier time figuring out the deeper root of things when something affects me more or in a different way than I expect it to.

Being so open, laying one's life bare for inspection and critique seems to be something that a lot of people struggle with. They struggle to do it themselves and they are made uncomfortable when people are vulnerable around them. I would hazard to guess that for some it is because it throws a little flag in their subconscious that lands on something of their own that they cannot be vulnerable about.

An unexpected side effect in my efforts toward greater vulnerability is that I don’t have much in the way of fears anymore. Hesitations, yes. Keeping my cards close to my chest at times, yes. But I have gotten a lot better at pushing myself outside of my comfort zone and taking chances that in my youth I would never have dreamt that I could be so daring. And every time I do, I congratulate myself on my bravery, even if the results weren't quite what I had hoped for. It’s always worth the effort.