Vulnerable or vulnerability are words that are tossed around a great deal lately. Not only are the words tossed around, but there are a few myths that Brené Brown tackles in her book, Daring Greatly. In this three-part series, we will be talking about some of these myths.
In her book, Brené Brown says that “Vulnerability isn’t good or bad. It is the basis of all emotions and feelings”. Let’s remember this lens as we talk about the myths that she has identified associated with vulnerability.
VULNERABILITY IS WEAKNESS
As Brené Brown defines it, vulnerability is uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure. None of that says weakness. As humans, we may feel weak when experiencing uncertainty and risk. But what if the weakness we are feeling is vulnerability under a different name?
UNCERTAINTY
Have you ever felt uncertain about your situation or the future? Of course. At this current time, there is more uncertainty than certainty in many areas of society. But does this uncertainty mean that WE are weak? Or are we just responding to the uncertainty in a manner that people may call weak? Some are manifesting the uncertainty that we are feeling in behaviors that are not helpful, behaviors such as overeating, rage, anger. Others are using this uncertainty to educate themselves or contribute to society by philanthropic events.
I challenge you to explore these feelings of uncertainty and “weakness” and look them in the face and start being cause in the matter. No one is going to rescue you. You have to be your advocate. You have everything in you to do it. Put your oxygen mask on and conquer the uncertainty. Make a plan and do something every day to fulfill your plan.
RISK
Have you ever taken a risk? Maybe it was talking to a cute guy in a college class. A cute guy that ended up becoming your husband? Or perhaps it is walking into a gym to start exercising. And a month later you can wear that cute dress to a luncheon with friends.
What does it feel like when you were approaching that cute guy or walking into an exercise class with women who are stick-thin and perfectly coiffed? It sure as hell doesn’t feel joyful. For me, when taking a risk, I feel this churning in my gut, and the voices in my head are yelling for me to “go back to my seat, or back home with a pint of chunky monkey ice cream.” You have to tell those voices that it was the ice cream that got you in this mess, and the only way to get out of it is to go to that class and just make it through today, then come back tomorrow and the next day.
GO FOR IT
Take the risk. Don’t talk yourself out of it. Even if it fails miserably think about the gains. You still look hot in that dress, keep going, there are a pair of “skinny jeans” in your closet waiting to wrap themselves around your butt. No one else’s opinion of you, even the cute guy, matters. What matters is that you show up every day for yourself.
Vulnerability is something that we should do regularly. If we approach life and the relationships that we create during our life being vulnerable, we can have much deeper, rich interactions with other people.
I hope you remember to take risks and stand in the middle of uncertainty with the knowledge that you are enough and that you have everything needed to conquer all challenges.
We have an awesome 30 Days of Affirmations for Expressing Vulnerability freebie available. If you are new to using affirmations, don’t worry, we include everything you need to know to get started. Use the sign up below to receive this freebie as well as all others we have to offer.
Other posts in the vulnerability series:
MINDFULNESS: BUILDING COURAGE AND ACCEPTING VULNERABILITY
VULNERABILITY: THE KEY TO BETTER RELATIONSHIPS
VULNERABILITY MYTH 2: SOME DON’T EXPERIENCE IT
VULNERABILITY MYTHS PART 3: E.A.T.ING
DISCLAIMER: We are not therapists. The advice we offer comes from our study, experience, and practice. Mental and physical health concerns should be addressed by a medical professional.