Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.” ― Brené Brown
Being vulnerable is often associated and confused with weakness. Being stoic has equated with being strong and has become an admirable trait- unshakable, dominant, and independent. Letting everyone know they can’t get into our skin is admirable- being invulnerable is praiseworthy.
We are living in the age where freedom and tolerance come with being vague. We perpetuate sarcasm and we protect ourselves from saying what we really want because we are afraid of being blatantly raw and honest. It was a game and everybody wanted to play it the same way. We all wanted to be secure.
But being defensive gets tiring. Constantly following restrictions and putting our emotions aside just to feel like the winner will take its toll. It takes strength to admit that we are all human beings with a set of emotions. The cost of being open isn’t being portrayed as weak- it is peace and freedom.
When we express our emotions, it puts us in a position where we can be rejected and judged, but it also permits people to treat us with the love and respect we deserve. The moment we become exposed, we start to accept that we are worthy of a positive response. It doesn’t free us from being hurt, but it frees us from resentment. It makes us realize that we are good enough, regardless if life gives us the outcome we expected or not. We know that it’s not a reflection of who we are.
We do not protect our heart by acting like we don’t have one. Building walls, acting unsure, and avoiding confrontations to prevent people take a peek of our true desires robs us our rawest form of happiness. Some people might be blinded by this, but it takes strength to acknowledge this– this is what I wanted to have and I don’t apologize for thinking I’m worthy of it.
Originally published at journal.thriveglobal.com