I feel like the idea of being vulnerable can be scary. Putting yourself out there, showing up as you are, and all for what? It may sometimes feel as if showing up authentically and speaking your truth puts you under scrutiny, thus leading you to feel judged, unaccepted, unworthy, secluded – whatever it may be. The truth is that being vulnerable and showing up authentically only feeds into your growth and personal development, even if it doesn’t feel like it. Have you ever opened up to someone only to walk away feeling unheard or dismissed? Even though you came forward and spoke your truth; maybe that person made you feel invalidated. It can be an anxious thing – opening up,speaking up, and showing up. I think in part it can be out of fear, maybe due to the idea of other people’s reactions, thoughts, or feelings. So we create the illusion that building up walls and hiding ourselves from the world is safer than showing up as we truly are.

 I can admit that I was a person that found it easier to put up a front and tell people what they wanted to hear; I showed up in the ways that I thought were expected of me. I got so lost in disguising my authentic self that I forgot the person that I truly was. I believed my own false depictions of my thoughts and feelings because I was convinced that I was unworthy when showing up as myself. I had a lot of insecurities and I pushed myself to the point of falsifying myself for the world.There was definitely a need to feel validation and acceptance; instead of providing it to myself I sought it out in other people. 

What I’ve learned about vulnerability is how healing and reassuring it can be. I think that vulnerability truly builds strength, development, connection, love, and authenticity. I don’t want it to come off like I think that being vulnerable is easy, because I know that it’s not. Building the “take me as I am” mentality is something that can take time. Starting with vulnerability in yourself is key in my opinion. Knowing about yourself inside and out will help you to show up authentically without feeling a need to apologize for it. Connecting with yourself, learning about yourself, and acknowledging your morals, ethics, values, aspirations, etc etc – and then validating and accepting yourself as you are even if there are things you would like to change about yourself or your life, will help you to no longer seek validation and acceptance from other people. Through self-acceptance and validation you are providing security and reassurance to yourself. It’s okay to be your own person and to stick out and to live loudly. Make your existence known without fear of other’s opinions (as long as you’re not hurting yourself or others). 

Vulnerability is such a beautiful thing because of all of the positive aspects that come with it. In being vulnerable, you are opening yourself up to growth and personal development. When you’re living with your walls up 24/7 and you can’t get yourself out of the box that you/other people put you in, you stop progressing and evolving into the versions of yourself that you’re meant to be. We’re humans, we’re constantly changing, growing, learning, and it’s okay not to connect with the person that you were last year, last month, or even last week. You are meant to evolve; I have found evolution in vulnerability. So what in the world am I talking about when I say “be vulnerable”? Take down the walls that you have built up and step outside of the box that you’re in. Do something even if you may not be good at it, vocalize your thoughts and feelings when you feel it’s necessary – unapologetically so… Show up for yourself and for those around you – acknowledge your capabilities and your strength that goes unnoticed. Basically be 100% yourself knowing that not everything you say will be accepted or understood – Continue to speak your truth. Do the things that you believe in, and do not be afraid to make mistakes or to learn lessons along the way, your job is to just be yourself (and to be kind to yourself and others). 

I have found connection in vulnerability by opening up about my experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Using my life as a way to connect, inspire, and grow with others. After all, we’re all on this journey together even if our paths look a little different. I have found love in vulnerability by opening up about my goals, fears, dreams, aspirations, and headspace – creating safe haven not only for myself but for others; non-judgemental, accepting, and understanding. I have found strength in vulnerability by acknowledging that being vulnerable is not a sign of weakness but a sign of my own personal awareness, mindfulness, and capability. I now feel strength in being open and vulnerable. I have found authenticity in vulnerability by confronting myself – my limiting beliefs, negative thoughts/feelings, and recognizing the things that I need when I need them; no longer ignoring my wellbeing for the benefit of other people. The fear that comes with vulnerability is simply a hurdle blocking your path. Fear is the limiting factor in itself. When you show up as yourself, for yourself, the only thing that matters is living and doing it authentically; pushing yourself, opening up, speaking your truth, and trusting yourself to give enough validation, acceptance, and security to your own life will completely shift your perspective and perception of your journey. 

Be open to vulnerability while simultaneously being aware of your boundaries. The person you need to be most vulnerable with yourself. Call yourself out on your own bullshit, be aware of your emotions/thoughts/feelings – understand where you’re at and show up as you are without the pressure of judgment; try to understand why you feel the way you do and when you’re not sure, just give a little extra grace and love to yourself. Do not fear change, evolution, or no longer connecting with the things/people/situations you once used to . Sometimes things grow in different directions. You are not responsible for the way that other people view you when you show up just as you are. Take external beliefs, expectations, and assumptions – throw them into a figurative shredder, throw the shredder into a fire, throw the fire onto a rocket, and launch the rocket at the sun. What I’m saying is: THEY DO NOT MATTER. Again, the person you are responsible for being vulnerable with is yourself. 

Be open to vulnerability with those close to you – knowing that vulnerability can strengthen relationships, connections, and love. Deepen your connection to those in your life; support and give, if for nothing else then solely for the empowerment and strength that you give to those around you simply by showing up. Be open to vulnerability in the external world around you – speak your truth, show compassion and empathy, break out of the box you’ve been put in; show up in the world knowing your presence matters and you do have an impact in the things that you do and say. You have the ability to connect with people, empower people, and to show support – you never know what that cna do for someone else as well as for yourself. Your life and existence is unique to you. Live authentically and in doing so know that you have so many opportunities every single day to positively impact the world around you.

Embrace the vulnerability in life and the evolution and growth that it adds to the journey. You are enough and I am glad you’re here – vulnerability is scary, but it is so beautiful at the same time. Embrace it.