The Power of Vulnerability

Vulnerability. Does the word make you cringe? Does it make you want to automatically hide under the covers? Yeah? Me too. The reason vulnerability scares us is because it forces us to be authentic. Vulnerability employs us to say, “Here I am world, the good and the bad.” I mean, we definitely want the world to see us when we’re being successful, committed, loving…..but bad? Heck no. Are you telling me that I’m going to have to offer the best and worst to you and give you the chance to reject me?! You’re crazy.

Vulnerability may scare us but trust me; it’s what we need to survive. Let me give you an example. You’re sitting on your couch watching a movie that involves this handsome man who is attracted to this gorgeous woman. The audience loves her at first because she looks perfect. I mean flawless skin, a body that could kill, and she is successful. But she’s cold hearted and guarded. She can deliver with her looks but never with her soul. On the flip side, you have another girl (who usually ends up being the guy’s best friend…typical). She is beautiful also but she is not afraid to be vulnerable. She may not have the greatest calves in the world but she knows she is talented. She bears her soul, and gives everything…whether good or bad. Even at the risk of being rejected, she gives it all. Now, I don’t know about you, but I’m always rooting for the second girl. As much as you cringe when you watch her say the wrong things and cry when she’s supposed to be faking strength, you can't help but love her. You root for her because she is the one who understands true strength. True strength isn’t manipulating people into thinking you're perfect, it is measured by how much of yourself you’re willing to give and pour out even if it returns to you void.

I love this TedTalk I posted below. As you’re watching, I just want you to think about vulnerability in your life. I think you’ll really love it :-).