“To share your weakness is to make yourself vulnerable; to make yourself vulnerable is to show your strength.” – Crissi Jami
Last night as I was laying in bed the word “Vulnerable” came to my mind.
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Log Invul·ner·a·ble | \ ˈvəl-n(ə-)rə-bəl , ˈvəl-nər-bəl \Definition of vulnerable
1: capable of being physically or emotionally wounded2: open to attack or damage : ASSAILABLE vulnerable to criticism3: liable to increased penalties but entitled to increased bonuses after winning a game in contract bridge
I began to mull this over in my mind and several thoughts came into focus.
For most of my adult life I have been very closed to allowing anyone to get to close to me. I suppose I didn’t want to be hurt, or betrayed. In the past I have been both, hurt and betrayed.
I began to build walls to keep others out, but those same walls kept me from going out. It was like a bird in a cage. It’s movement is somewhat restricted.
It is terrible to go through life questioning everyone’s motive, distrust becomes a constant companion.
When I started this blog I didn’t write anything about myself, I did not want to make myself a target, I didn’t want to become vulnerable to attacks.
These past couple of years since I began writing about my struggles with mental health issues has been quite a revelation to me. I purposely made myself vulnerable, I opened my emotions to unknown readers, unknown people.
I have been amazed because what happened was nothing like the things I was thinking would happen didn’t. What I have found that ninety-nine percent of people are caring, understanding, thoughtful, warm. I was expecting negativity and instead I received positive. Becoming vulnerable was something that brought about good.
I truly understand those who are going through emotions about becoming vulnerable, afraid of criticism, mocking, and betrayal. Opening up by writing in a blog would not be my first choice to present myself as vulnerable.
So dear reader, just maybe open yourself up, make yourself vulnerable, take a chance. Like in the movie, one line comes to mind, “Baby steps, baby steps”!(What About Bob)
rethinkingscripture.wordpress.com 
Brené Brown gave a very good TED Talk on vulnerability.
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Isn’t that something, in searching for a proper quote I came upon that name, Brene Brown several times.
Thanks for the confirmation! I guess it was meant to be for me to write about being vulnerable.
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Awesome post! This is so true! It helps to know there are so many out there who understand and care!
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Renee, thank you for your vote of confidence!
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It’s interesting how when we make ourselves vulnerable it can actually challenge our expectations, and our world view. As you say here, the vast majority of people are actually caring – and perhaps we only come to see that when we take a risk and make ourselves vulnerable once more 🙂 Thanks for what you’re doing here!
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Thank you for your kind words, and your vote of confidence!
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This is my task this month from my therapist. Work on being more vulnerable. Speak up when you feel the need to without the fear. Not an easy thought…I don’t know how to even begin this! It’s a task I’m willing to try but that uncertainty lurks
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Angie, it has been almost 30 yrs before I allowed myself to be vulnerable.
It is so easy to stay in our shells, fear, betrayal, etc., keep us in there. You just do not want to feel pain of any sort.
It takes hard work, it does not happen immediately, but, the end results are a feeling of belonging, etc.,
I will be rooting for you Angie!
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Thank you Dwain!
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