The power of vulnerability: does it liberate you?
I listened to an amazing Tedx Talk on the weekend by Brene Browne called “The Power of Vulnerability.”
I enjoyed it so much I am sharing it here with my thoughts.
I first understood the power of vulnerability through my travel experiences. Each new person I met presented the opportunity for me to be myself. They had no idea who I was, where I came from, or what skeletons appeared in the closet. They just wanted to know who I was right now. It was liberating to own my true self. With each new conversation I felt freer and I began to appreciate myself more.
Sure, there’s a lot about me that could definitely be hidden. I can be a monster, as can everyone else, but I feel better about keeping that in the light rather than in the shadows. This is who I am warts and all.
Honesty and vulnerability is liberating. There’s no pretending or hiding and that leads you to a whole-hearted life. You learn to accept the bad shit and just deal with it.
I often bare my true self on my blogs and social channels. That’s a whole other scary level. Anyone around the world can read it and it is there for life. But, I don’t really care. I know that by my honesty, it might help others to see that it is okay to be human and vulnerable. It’s the path to true happiness.
When I can’t own up to who I am, I feel rigid and confined. Bubbling underneath is the feeling of immense shame and that I am not good enough.
We’re all imperfect human beings who make endless mistakes and feel horrible emotions like pain and anger and sadness.
Why do we keep seeing these emotions as enemies? We should reclaim back the power they take away from us by accepting these emotions are just a part of the human experience and are actually leading us to the lessons we must learn in order to fulfill our purpose.
Sure they suck, but we can’t run from them, nor numb them. In doing so we are creating an future where we allow the pain to cause us to be unseen. We’re far better to be like children, feel the horrible emotions, not care who sees it, and then allow it to wash away.
The more we feel the bad emotions the more we give birth to joy, belonging and love.
I hope you can also allow yourself to be seen and you know that you are enough. Who cares if anyone thinks differently? All that matters is how you think and feel.
What are your thoughts on vulnerability? Do you struggle to show who you truly are? If so why?
Comments
Kathy
Hi Caz – isn’t Brene Brown wonderful! I bought her book ‘The Gifts of Imperfection’ after watching her TEDEX talk. I so relate to so much of what she has to say. I think our world tries to smooth away imperfections, whether it be wrinkles in our skin or flaws in our character. We try to hide away pain and as you say in doing so, only create feelings of shame, and more pain! Vulnerability benefits not only ourselves but all the people who relate to us because they are vulnerable too – we give each other the gift of empathy and solidarity when we make ourselves vulnerable – I love that you are brave enough to write that way.
Caz Makepeace
I believe in embracing your faults and loving your painful emotions. They all have a place. When you make peace with them, you understand they hold a powerful purpose that is actually helping you. I think I am going to have to get her book.
kirri White
I’m a complete Brene Brown Groupie! Her work has changed my life and I draw on a lot of her teachings and research with my work. Very excited by your post and the fact that I am going to Sydney this weekend to hear Brene speak!
Caz Makepeace
Oh that will be awesome Kirri. I hope you have a fantastic time. I didn’t know much about her before seeing this. Will have to look more into what she does.
Tammy
There’s something very peaceful about showing who you truly are. I can totally relate to feeling confined when I cannot show who I truly am. Showing vulnerability may be one of the hardest things we do but I have experienced the rewards it brings like attracting the right people and situations to you….authenticity brings personal fulfilment & happiness 🙂 I haven’t heard of Brene Brown but now I am going to check her out!