The Power of Vulnerability

If anyone had access to a remote that controls our feelings, they would make all
negative feelings out of service. They would choose to never feel sadness, fear, shame, and in other words, never be in a position of vulnerability. They would want to be perfect, without wanting to go through a moment where it felt like there was a huge “Fragile! Handle with care” sticker on their foreheads. However, it is impossible to select emotions and keep the others hidden. As Brene Brown was able to come up with an answer that she herself struggled with, she stated the truth loud and clear, “You cannot selectively numb emotions.” As much as vulnerability is viewed as a negative emotion, it is important.


Vulnerability is not just being exposed emotionally or physically to people, it is about accepting who you truly are and projecting it to people. Nevertheless, being vulnerable is not at all easy. The constant fear and urge to protect ourselves from rejection, mockery, or even be viewed as weak restrained us from being able to fully love ourselves and others. As Brene Brown discussed with the audience, “...these folks had, very simply, the courage to be imperfect.” They allowed themselves to embrace their imperfections and accept the reality that we all struggle with. If we look back on the days we have missed out on just because we felt imperfect, so we isolated ourselves. And the opportunities that were missed due to the fear of rejection. And many other personal situations that slipped out of our hands were all because vulnerability was not embraced. Brene Brown herself has said, “The more afraid we are, the more vulnerable we are, the more afraid we are.” However, when we break that cycle and allow ourselves to feel and be vulnerable, we make amazing connections with not only the people we love, but with everyone around us. When we have the courage to say “I cried” “I am scared” “I am embarrassed”, we get to have a break from trying to seem effortlessly perfect. In addition, we get people to feel safe and admit their own truths as well. And when we are finally all vulnerable with no judgements, we grow more resilient. We become unbreakable.

 

As a person who has struggled deeply with allowing oneself to be vulnerable, I understand that it is not at all easy nor effortless. It is not that simple to break out of my shell and show everyone who I truly am or what I truly feel. Even if I had many unpleasant experiences when I allowed myself to be vulnerable, yet there are these moments that I would feel relief washing over me just because I broke a piece of that shell. They would make me feel as if I am the happiest person on Earth, even if it was just for a few moments. Nevertheless, along with everyone else, I am also impatiently waiting for that time where I get to be fully vulnerable and self accepting.

These are some links that further discuss the Power of Vulnerability;

The Importance of Vulnerability

Vulnerability