Perhaps it's the endless news stories on sexual harassment, but I've found myself thinking a lot about vulnerability lately. Only recently have so many women felt safe to reveal their nightmares. And although I can't speak personally to this subject, I imagine it takes an enormous amount of courage in the face of vulnerability to do this.
Because in sharing your truth, no matter the circumstance, there is the perceived weakness and judgement that comes with being truly seen.
After years of working to distance myself from my own family secret, I made the decision that it was a part of my story worth telling. I realized the disjointedness I was feeling was a direct result of my unwillingness to share my whole truth in an effort to fit in (it feels silly even typing that). I was a mess the day I hit publish on this post (vulnerability is uncomfortable!), and publicly aired something so personal, however, I no longer wanted to carry it alone.
In the days that followed, I received such sweet words of support that something shifted in me.
My upbringing taught me vulnerability is a weakness, and being tough in the face of tragedy or hurt is a necessary strength. The problem is most often those feelings go unresolved, and are buried deep. And shame grows in those quiet, unseen places. Shame can be fatal.
Only through sharing fears, insecurities, and differences, can we break those perceptions wide open, eliminating all power over our lives.
When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, it leads to deeper connections with others, and with oneself. And it empowers others to stand in the light of truth.
How has vulnerability affected you in your life?
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