Thoughts on Vulnerability
“Vulnerability is the courage to show up when you don’t know the outcome.” - Brene Brown
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Vulnerability is a concept I’ve avoided for 33 years. Yes, completely avoided. I’m sitting here listening to Brene Brown’s feature on Netflix and it is inspiring. If you didn’t know Brene Brown is a specialist in studying the concept of courage and vulnerability over the past twenty years. What she found through extensive research and data is that you can’t have courage without vulnerability. I was raised as a child who gathers strength from God and Jesus. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I started thinking about how vulnerability plays into drawing from Christ's strength instead of my own strength.
In the past, I’ve made sure to skip over every weakness and amplify my own strengths. In doing so, people found often that they couldn’t relate to me. How heartbreaking for someone who puts forth the effort to being their best. Do I fail? Often. Do I lose? Yes. But do I dwell there? No. I always found it inefficient and will hinder meeting my own goals. But does that mean I’m not vulnerable? Absolutely not.
Vulnerability is defined “the quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.” (according to Dictionary.com). Being exposed….well, hmmm. What exactly does that mean? I think vulnerability is admitting to yourself and others where you have gaps. It doesn’t mean those gaps won’t be filled in your life, it just means you are willing to recognize shortcomings. I think the more aware we are of ourselves the more that we can experience true greatness in our lives.
What are your thoughts on vulnerability? I’d love to hear about them! Leave a comment below!
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