Vulnerability is the core of shame, fear, and out struggle for worthiness. But it appears it is also the birthplace of joy, creativity, belonging, and love.” -Brené Brown
To be vulnerable is to let someone truly see me, to speak up when someone hurt my feelings instead of laugh it off, and to be honest with myself. That day in the counseling office was the first of many days I became honest with myself.
I feel like vulnerability has this negative aura about it. We are taught in our society to be strong, independent people who shouldn’t get emotional. Yet we have to be willing to emotionally invest in someone to connect with them. Vulnerability gives us inspiration to create something beautiful, to love deeply, and strengthen our sense of self.
Now you might say, “I have trust issues” or “I am not ____ enough.” Please hear me when I say, you are deserving of close friendships. You are worthy of love and to be seen for who you truly are because you are a one-in-a-million treasure. I think there is great strength in guarding your heart while also allowing others see it. The more we practice vulnerability with our close friends and family the easier it becomes too.
I came across this extraordinary TedTalk by Brené Brown called “The Power of Vulnerability.” She is a researcher-storyteller who has studied shame and vulnerability for about a decade. In her research, she learned that vulnerability makes us beautiful and that it requires courage, compassion, and connection.
Courage- Strive to have the courage to be imperfect and tell the story of who you are with your whole heart
Compassion- We can’t practice compassion with other people if we can’t treat ourselves kindly
Connection- A result of authenticity by letting go of who you think you should be and just be you
Brené encourages us to “let ourselves be deeply seen, love with our whole hearts even when there are no guarantees, practice gratitude and joy, and believe you are enough.”
So grab some popcorn, get comfortable, and check out this incredible 20 minute TedTalk by Brené Brown:
A few questions to reflect on about vulnerability:
- What does vulnerability mean to you?
- How does vulnerability inspire creativity or joy?
- In what ways can you be vulnerable with the people you love?
I’d love to read your opinions or thoughts about vulnerability in the comments below! Thank you so much for taking time out of you day to read this post! This week I am challenging us to be vulnerable because it critical for growing deeper in our friendships. Stay tuned for a follow-up post to this one on Wednesday!
Petit à Petit,
Lauren
The Honest Pursuit 
Ah, yes vulnerability. I’m quite familiar with it, and have learned much about what it means through Brene Brown’s books- in particular Daring Greatly and Rising Strong touch on it a lot if you liked her TED Talk. It is also a difficult/challenging thing, but I’m proud to say I have been working on both in my writing and real-life; sharing in ways I hadn’t before but have been wonderful rewarding and have opened up doors to connection as you pointed out. It’s also wonder to find others who appreciate the openness it takes to be vulnerable and who you can be vulnerable with as each experience and conversations deepens with trust and honesty. Hope this isn’t too long, but thought I’d share my insights into it.
I did also enjoy reading your post, and agree it’s a great topic.
Kylie
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Hi Kylie! Thank you for sharing your experience with vulnerability and how you have become more open in your writing and in real life. That is something I am working on too. I agree it can be difficult to do sometimes, but that is how connection can take place. I’ve been meaning to read Brene’s book, Daring Greatly. I’ll have to check it out soon! Keep making the progress you have made, little by little, each day. It takes courage to be vulnerable, and I believe you are courageous! 🙂
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Thank-you. That is very kind and true, the only way to connect on any level is to put your heart and thoughts out there when sharing with others. I am working on being courageous but it’s taken me a while to get there but also as you said little by little it is getting easier.
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So true, friend! You’re doing great, don’t give up. I found it’s easier to share my heart slowly and over time instead of all at once in my writing too. I’ll be looking for your next posts! 🙂
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Thank-you. I’m working on it and the next post but it’s sure to be a good one.
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I love this! It’s crazy how vulnerability draws people in when we always fear it will deter others from us. Well said and so wise!
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I know right?! For me, it is my hope to be accepted that can get in the way of being honest sometimes too. Thank you for your feedback, Michelle!!
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