This post is not about the V-word you might be thinking of but it is as much a significant word to highlight. Vulnerability. We’re taught to be open but not too open out of fear that it might scare away others. To be strong means to be independent and not dependent. But, what does it mean to be vulnerable in today’s society? And a more important question, does being vulnerable make me weak?
There seems to be an overall theme in the dictionary that describes vulnerability as “susceptible to being wounded or hurt”. It is the truth! To allow yourself to be open, lowering your walls, and letting people in, will leave you exposed to the potential of hurt. However, it does not make you weak! It takes great strength and heart to want to connect with people on a deeper level than the surface interactions, ESPECIALLY, if you’ve been hurt before.
In today’s society, everyone showcases some parts of themselves on the various social media platforms, some sharing more than others. When looking at some of the posts on my timeline, I always wonder about the people that in my opinion overshare stuff. Or, are they simply being vulnerable to let us (their internet friends) know exactly what is going on in their lives? With that being said, I’ve come to the understanding that some people find being vulnerable easier based on their personality traits, way of thinking, and experiences. I, on the other hand, do not.
For those like me, who find being vulnerable scary and to some degree difficult to do, I advise you to feel the fear and still do it anyway. We cannot allow our fear of vulnerability to rob us from having deep, meaningful connections with people and having solid relationships from doing such.
Being vulnerable comes with a risk, but I believe it is worth it in the end.
“Feel the fear and do it anyway…”
– Susan Jeffers
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