Stay a kernel or pop

Happy National Popcorn Day!

Here are my options:

 I can either stay a hard shelled kernel or I can explode into the world.

When hard times come, and they always do, I withdraw, pull into myself and not let anyone in.  I become so hardened that change is impossible.  Nothing comes in, nothing goes out.  And, if you see me in future years, I look the same, I am the same.

or

When hard times come, and they always do, I expose myself.  I know the risk in breaking open, but I take that chance.  I expand, I grow, and I soften.  I am not recognizable.  I am transformed.