The importance of being vulnerable

the key to achieving our dreams

Image by Engin Akyurt from Pixabay

Are we ever more vulnerable than at birth?

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Last week in my post here, I mentioned I would be writing today about vulnerability. Here are a few of my thoughts. I’ve included Brené Brown’s wisdom in the block quotes throughout this post, beginning with this one.¹

Yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable and sometimes afraid, but that doesn’t change the truth that I am also brave and worthy of love and belonging.

There’s nothing… NOTHING in life that is worthwhile and meaningful that doesn’t require the ability to be vulnerable. Learning any subject requires the possibility we will fail to understand. Applying for employment or education involves the possibility we will be rejected. The same applies to falling in love. Having children, oh my goodness, don't get me started. Making a friend, pursuing a sport, adopting a new pet, writing a book, buying your first house if you are lucky enough, the list is endless.

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. 

You’d think, since we are required to practice vulnerability at every turn from birth on, we’d conquer the discomfort that accompanies it. But there’s no expiration date on that can of worms.

I nickname vulnerability as a she, making it more approachable and less scary. While I often succeed at turning my attention elsewhere these days, she is still constantly waiting in the wings, challenging me. 

Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. 

Again and again, I am called upon to push back and push through. I do my best. I press send on a post that feels a bit scary. I show my heart to a stranger at the market. I say I love you first. I put my hand on someone’s shoulder or offer a hug. I apply for the job that seems a long shot. I show my anger when I'm upset. I say I’m sorry when I’ve made a mistake or acted in ways that don’t honor myself or another. I cry if you tell me a sad story… oh boy, do I ever cry. I make my way to teach yoga every Monday even if it at times makes me nervous.

But for all these triumphs, I can’t count the number of times I’ve walked away from vulnerability, letting her trump me. My numbered days must now be used to get the better of her, because I have intentions. If you remember from last week, “Substack, I’m coming after that gold badge.”² 

Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.

The rewards of being vulnerable are far too great to turn from.

I thought I’d challenge my readers to join me and be mindful of what fills you with doubt and fear and keeps you from pursuing something you desire? Turn vulnerability into an object or vision that you can actually fight against, and then land that sucker punch. And let me know how it goes!

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

I’m cross-posting this week with Jen Zug. Her post from yesterday is priceless and an excellent example of being vulnerable. You can read it below and trust me, you will relate. Great job, Jen!

Until Death Do Us Part (And To the Death It Will Be)

1. Casandra Brené Brown (born November 18, 1965) is an American professor, author, and podcast host. Brown is known for her work on shame, vulnerability, and leadership, and for her widely viewed TEDx talk in 2010.

2. Just to be clear, my post last week talked about me hoping, planning, manifesting, dreaming of becoming a Substack featured publication, not that I had become one. I offered a photo of the badge to show my readers what the 2023 version looked like. A few readers skimmed the article and offered me heartfelt congrats, which I loved, but I asked them to hold on to those, for now.

Bailey @ Substack

, I hope you’re reading. And please send along any tips or feedback that might help me reach my goal.

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