Vulnerability

This was something a client said to me recently.

“Why?” I asked.

“Because it will make me look weak.”

Society often equates vulnerability with weakness. Keeping our emotions and challenges private can be a protective mechanism to keep us safe, free of judgement and rejection. How many times have we thought: What will people think if they know this about me? What will they say? It works as a shield, keeping us from being our authentic selves.

The strength in vulnerability is that it allows us to create intimacy with others; to connect with people in a more humanistic way; to give others permission to be vulnerable and to let them know that they are not alone. We can start by accepting and sharing our flaws, our past mistakes, our regrets.

I have always believed that vulnerability shows your true character, your strength, your ability and capacity to overcome challenges that life has thrown at you. Choosing to be your authentic self outweighs all that society teaches us about who we are and who we ought to be. About what it means to show up, be engaged and committed and remain true to your values.