For many years I was ashamed of being vulnerable. I saw it as a weakness that put me into a lot of uncomfortable and harmful situations. Trying to suppress my vulnerability over many years became a great burden for me to carry. I tried to hide that side of myself even though it was truly a part of me. A part of me that was shared by all human beings. Vulnerability says, “I have feelings. I am capable of being hurt and also of hurting others.”

Most people do not like feeling vulnerable. Exposing oneself opens the door to being judged, bullied, hurt and embarressed. It brings the fear that you will not be accepted by others. On the upside of that statement, exposing oneself trades the risk of being harmed for the chance to be your authentic self. To Be You! To Be Honest With Yourself and With The World! Those are powerful words!!! Being vulnerable can also bring the opportunity and challenge to learn something new if you are willing to try.

I reached a point in my life where being my true self became more important to me than being accepted. But to my surprise, putting myself out there, (which took a lot of courage) sharing my experiences good and bad, and showing my vulnerable side has blessed me with more friends, better relationships, and the strength to overcome my fear of speaking and voicing my opinion. I have been able to connect with, and encourage many who have struggled in similar ways. Exposing myself has dissolved my shame.

I no longer feel that I have to hide or pretend that I am someone I am not. I have the courage to say, “Yes I can do that” and the strength to say, “No, absolutely not!” Vulnerability can bring freedom. The freedom that comes when you are being Real!

Presenting our imperfect self to the world is when true belonging happens!

by Tanya Christiansen Comments welcome!