"To Love Is to be Vulnerable"
Photo Credit: L.Bellamy Imagery
Being vulnerable is often looked at as weak and sensitive. Nobody wants to be viewed as those things so more often than not, we hide behind our pride and try to never show our true emotions. This of course isn't related to everyone, some people don't have an issue voicing their feelings; but for those of you that do, I can relate.
One of my biggest struggles is allowing people to see me at my worst. For as long as I can remember I have been introverted and shy. I've always sort of stayed to myself and remained a very private person. Now you would normally think I must only be private with strangers. That's not the case at all; even those that are close to me only see and know what I allow. There's nothing wrong with being private about your emotions, but I am here to tell you there is also nothing wrong with showing them.
When I am going through my own issues I tend to take a break from all outside relationships and go into hiding. I don't talk to my friends and family for months at a time. I feel as if I always have to have myself fully put together before I can be available to anyone. Lately that hasn't been working out for me. I am getting too old to be inconsistent in any aspect of my life. It's all bullshit anyways, because at the end of the day people who really care will understand and be there for you.
Vulnerability is important because it establishes the meaning of true self love. It is being completely open. You're showing your true self to others, not the fake self you create to impress people. It's important to face your emotions to grow as a person. Mature people who are working hard to better themselves won't judge you; if anything it will make you more relatable. This is the state where true lasting relationships and connections are made because it's real and authentic.
"To share your weakness is to make yourself vulnerable; to make yourself vulnerable is to show your strength." - Criss Jami
Choosing to be vulnerable is not easy. It is probably one of the biggest challenges I am currently facing. I am working on it because it is important that I learn how to properly deal with my emotions as a grown woman. I want to be aware of how/what I am feeling and know how to express it the right way. I personally feel that most people who grow up holding everything inside eventually break and/or look for releases that often times have a negative impact.
"Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy-the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light." - Dr. Brene Brown
Now I am not saying tell everyone all of your business, but I am saying to be truthful about how you feel when situations involve others. Don't let the fear of appearing "weak" stop your blessings. Your pride can cause damage on relationships with others, which can also cause you to miss some great opportunities in life. It's important to recognizing that nobody is perfect; you are human. Be as real and authentic as you possibly can be, with yourself and others.
"To love at all is to be vulnerable..." - C.S. Lewis
In the end, it all goes hand in hand. Being vulnerable is simply saying, "here I am, take it or leave it". The ultimate goal is to grow as a person and love thyself unconditionally.