Vulnerability is Strength

You're strong BECAUSE you're vulnerable.

Photo: Unsplash | Ivana Cajina

Being vulnerable is never an easy thing to do. If you went out and asked other people if they're comfortable with vulnerability, the answer would likely be a "no". Not a lot of people are comfortable with expressing themselves. It’s normal to want to shut down and hide your feelings away.

We think it’s easier to avoid situations by suppressing our thoughts until they eventually go away. But, what happens when that no longer works for you? Ignoring your feelings doesn't make you feel better nor will it go away. It builds up.

We all go through periods where we want to handle situations alone. Where we keep things to ourselves to avoid judgment. Or we simply don't know how to express ourselves, so we keep quiet and try to push through.

There’s this idea that being vulnerable is an act of weakness. And let's be honest, no one wants that. Well, I'm here to tell you that vulnerability is NOT a sign of weakness but is actually an act of courage. It shows that you are human, you are brave, and you are working towards becoming a better you.

We think it’s easier to avoid situations by suppressing our thoughts until they eventually go away. But, what happens when that no longer works for you? Ignoring your feelings doesn't make you feel better nor will it go away.

It builds up. So much so that eventually it manifests in self-destructive behaviors. Whether you're conscious of it or not. The result of this is far worse than what you would have felt by expressing your feelings to begin with.

So let's find a solution to this!

How about you challenge yourself to find comfort in expressing yourself even if you find it hard? Try practicing to be more vocal about how you're feeling. Have a conversation with yourself or with someone else you feel safe around. I know what you're thinking, how can I have a conversation with myself?

Well, I'll tell you. Writing and reading what you wrote, that's how. Being able to see your feelings on paper can help bring clarity. Simply write down your thoughts and watch them reveal a message to you. When you can "see" your thoughts and feelings in front of you, you can figure out your next steps.

Talking things through with others is helpful. You are releasing all that negativity. You're gaining perspective on things, and honestly, it just feels good to get things off your chest. Now, you don't want to go around chatting to just anyone. Try someone who you trust and feel safe with. You want to be able to express yourself freely to someone who will uplift you without an ounce of judgment.

If you don't have anyone like this in your life right now, try connecting with a therapist.

There’s this idea that being vulnerable is an act of weakness. And let's be honest, no one wants that. Well, I'm here to tell you that vulnerability is NOT a sign of weakness but is actually an act of courage.

Remember you are on your own journey, your own path, your own wave! Be kind to yourself by reminding yourself that YOU are enough, and YOU are doing great, each and every day! Be your own strength and do what empowers and uplifts you.

Additionally, practice not being so hard on yourself. We all make mistakes from time to time. What’s important is that we learn and grow from them. Trust yourself more and embrace who you are, even through the bad and ugly moments.