What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about being vulnerable?
For many it’s no way. I must protect myself. I don’t want to get hurt. I can’t let them see the real me. It means I’m weak.
I’m not talking about running outside and telling the first person you see all of your deepest secrets. Although, that could be one freeing approach (just kidding). I’m talking about allowing yourself to be seen. Allowing yourself to show up. Being open, honest and expressing yourself in a way that always reflects your truth.
It means not hiding. It means no facades. It means this is me. Accept me as I am. You can hate it of love it but…this is me. It means no longer bottling all of your real feelings and thoughts inside. It means speaking up. It means saying how you feel and meaning what you say. It means letting your light shine from the inside out.
The truth is there is so much freedom that comes from allowing yourself to be vulnerable. You open the door for growth, evolution, learning and possibility. In some ways, it’s like a weight being lifted off your shoulders. You no longer have to pretend. You are free to just be.
It yields a more confident, assured and bolder you. At the end of the day, you know who you are. You know what you stand for. You are less concerned about what others say and think.
For me the biggest vulnerability breakthrough came from allowing myself to be seen. It meant not putting up an aura of perfection. It meant talking about my challenges, obstacles and struggles. It meant sharing my story with others. It meant admitting when I’m wrong, sad, down or lonely. It meant asking for help. It meant verbalizing my needs and wants. It meant learning how to say no and not feel bad about it.
Vulnerability has been an important element on my personal growth journey. A very necessary element. It has set the stage for me to be in a place where I can help other women. I empower them so that they can show up as their best and most powerful self.
Not sure if you’re sold on the whole being vulnerable thing. Well, the only way to see if it fits is to try it on. Try it out for a week. Practice being more open and honest about your feelings. Refrain from biting your tongue and not speaking up. Practice honoring yourself by honoring your true thoughts and feelings. Be authentic. Be genuine. Have integrity. Live and walk in your truth!