“The definition of vulnerability is uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure. But vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our most accurate measure of courage. –Brené Brown
I feel the world shifting. I feel this massive shift right now, almost like the ground would be moving below my feet, where we are beginning to lean into vulnerability. Something in my soul feels this massive change that all of us may be willing to dip our toe into the pool of vulnerability.
Do you know what I have to say about that, “IT’S ABOUT DAMN TIME!” Said in my BEST Lizzo voice.
Don’t get me wrong I KNOW this word may scare some of you when you hear it. You may be thinking to yourself, “You couldn’t get me to be vulnerable for one million dollars.” I understand and I understand why you feel this way.
I know this word brings on fear. I know it brings on the same adrenaline as standing alone on stage right before you sing to an audience for the very first time.
I know leaning into vulnerability isn’t easy, it most certainly feels like jumping into a pool in North Dakota mid-January, but you have to start somewhere!
The beauty of vulnerability is the freedom that comes along with it. It breaks barriers such as isolation, loneliness, invisibility and isolation. In my opinion, vulnerability is one of the most beautiful expressions of self-love. I say this from my own personal experience.
Somehow overtime, vulnerability came into the light of weakness or shame. People would turn a blind eye to those who were openly vulnerable. Having a stiff upper lip that was worn as a badge of honor and I ask myself, how did we every think this was okay and I remind myself the vulnerability makes others uncomfortable.
Again, I ask myself how being, feeling and expressing one’s self became uncomfortable, but here we are.
Look, I’m here with you working through my own vulnerability, but I will tell you, these last 3-4 years of my life have been abundantly freeing and I owe much of that to the HG community.
There are so many of you who are HUNGRY for vulnerability. All I have to do is look at my inbox to see how many of you hang onto any moment where you can be openly vulnerable and free of judgment, especially the women who have reached out to me.
I feel as though the generations that are leaning into vulnerability are beginning to outweigh those that strayed away.
So how do we lean into our vulnerability? It starts with us accepting the vulnerability of others. This will begin the ripple affect for US to feel supported leaning into our own vulnerability.