Last week I wrote about perfectionism. Today I will focus on vulnerability which often has a direct link to perfectionism. Many view vulnerability as a sign of weakness. However, it takes tremendous courage to expose our vulnerability and reveal who we really are to others. It is only when we are able to show our vulnerability and reveal who we really are that we can have authentic connection, genuine relationships.
Many of us fear that we are not good enough, not worthy enough. In our culture, many people numb their vulnerability with various addictions (food, alcohol, drugs, gambling, etc.). Once we accept our authentic selves and are willing to reveal them to others, we are able to love wholeheartedly.
According to Brene Brown, vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change. In order to be innovative, to create, and furthermore to change something you need to try something different or new, you have to be vulnerable.
Brene Brown makes an interesting point that we cannot selectively numb feelings. If we numb fear and hurt, anger, and pain, we simultaneously numb joy, gratitude, and happiness. We need to commit to being kind and gentle to ourselves and kind and gentle to others. We need to cultivate gratitude and joy and stop numbing vulnerability.
Once we accept our own preciousness, despite our imperfections, we can embrace someone else’s preciousness, with that person’s imperfections. Once we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and possibly feel pain, we free ourselves to feel joy, pride, happiness, and gratitude as well.
Original “We Can Do It” poster produced by J. Howard Miller in 1943, adapted by www.creaminta.com