Opening Yourself Up To Vulnerability
As we think about vulnerability, we may resist it because it implies:
- Exposure,
- Potential openness to attack, and
- Allowing one’s weaknesses to be seen and known.
We may also embrace vulnerability because it allows:
- An accurate measure of our courage,
- Openness to intimacy, and
- Expansion of opportunity and possibility.
As survivors of trauma and abuse, being vulnerable is our path to move from just surviving to thriving in life!
This blog provides a guide to begin opening you up to being more vulnerable.
Read the four quotes about vulnerability and pick the one that speaks to you.
“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.”
― Brené Brown
“To share your weakness is to make yourself vulnerable; to make yourself vulnerable is to show your strength.”
― Criss Jami
“When we were children, we used to think that when we were grown-up we would no longer be vulnerable. But to grow up is to accept vulnerability. To be alive is to be vulnerable.”
– Madeleine L’Engle
“Courage is vulnerability. Vulnerability is courage. Like shadow and light, neither one can exist without the other.”
– Wai Lan Yuen
Now read that quote and see which words stand out or “shimmer” for you.
- If you have a journal, you may want to write the whole quote as well as the “stand-out” words in it.
- Capture why they seem important.
- If you have a highlighter, glitter pen, or crayons you can decorate the words that shimmer or stand out for you to make them even more special.
As you reflect on the words that spoke to you, see if there is an invitation in them. Are they calling to you in any specific way?
- Capture this insight in your journal.
- Perhaps write an intention, something you wish to do with the insight.
Claim this insight.
If you are a visual person, maybe you try to draw an image that comes to you.
- If you are more kinesthetic, or feel things in your body, maybe you settle yourself with a breathing exercise and then “breathe in” the insight you wish to receive.
Notice if the act of claiming the insight has any effect on you.
- Does it give you the courage to move into more vulnerability?
- Do you have new insight into what you are capable of?
- Are there specific actions you wish to take?
Be Encouraged!
Here are some more quotes from Brené Brown to guide you forward.
“Wholehearted living is about engaging with our lives from a place of worthiness. It means cultivating the courage, compassion, and connection to wake up in the morning and think, ‘No matter what gets done and how much is left undone, I am enough.’ It’s going to bed at night thinking, ‘Yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable and sometimes afraid, but that doesn’t change the truth that I am also brave and worthy of love and belonging.’”
― Brené Brown
“Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love, belonging, and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”
― Brené Brown
“You are imperfect, you are wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.”
― Brené Brown
Resources for Letting Go of Your Emotional Baggage
“Awakening the Light is a beautiful expression of the author’s Heart and journey of healing. There is a helpful balance of vulnerability and openness with her experience and courage and passion to help others through stepping through the fire and integrating mind, body, and spiritual healing.”
Leslie Kay Maitri Canniff, LCMHC, LCAS, C.H.T.
Awakening the Light: A Survivors to Thrivers Going-Forward Story is available through our book tab or by clicking here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KK8YFDM
At Survivors to Thrivers, we are committed to encouraging and supporting you as you seek to embrace your healing and growth. We would love to hear steps you have taken to heal yourself – mind, body, and spirit. Please know we are here to cheer you on– every step of the way!
Talk To Tambry
I am glad you have taken the time to engage with this blog. Sometimes it is helpful to process new insights that emerge. If you would appreciate brief time with a someone who understands, our Talk to Tambry offering is for you. For 30 minutes, you can receive support from Tambry who is a certified life coach, spiritual director and a survivor who has been on the journey as well. This is offered at a reduced rate of $50.
