Embracing Vulnerability: The Path to Authenticity

“Big boys don’t cry.”

What does being vulnerable mean to you? It’s easy to feel uncertain when the world is in its current state. Showing vulnerability can feel scary, especially with so many eyes on us—particularly as internet users. We aren’t designed to be witnessed by so many people, and right now, we’re experiencing inflated egos, individual separation from the collective, and increasing feelings of loneliness. Why is this happening? Because the more expectations that are placed on us, the harder it becomes to just be ourselves.

While we pick and choose what we see online—often unintentionally—we limit our exposure to challenges that could reshape our beliefs. Algorithms feed us confirmation biases, so every time we open a device, we are told we are right, or left, or that it doesn’t really matter. Being challenged shows us what we’re made of, and overcoming adversity gives us purpose. If we’re all very safe in our comfort zones, what becomes of us? Read till the end for a journaling exercise to help build resilience.

What kind of world do you want to create for your children? Technology is advancing, and what we put into it shapes the future. Sharing a life of filters, perfectionism, and a stiff upper lip leaves little room for empathy and truth. Our job is to shine a light on authenticity, embracing the good, the bad, and the ugly, and to be a permission slip for others to do the same. If your child, mother, or lover came to you with their truth, would you reject it because of your own programmed beliefs? Or would you allow them to express themselves because you love them anyway? Now apply that same scenario to yourself or your younger self. By reintegrating the shadows we’ve been rejecting for so long, we come back into wholeness.

"Vulnerability is not weakness. It is our greatest measure of courage." — Brené Brown

Many of us are witnessing tragedies beyond our control on a global scale. The same wars occurring on the other side of the planet are also happening within us. If we want to take action and help the world, we must first help ourselves. Once we resolve the poverty, war, survivalism, and hurt inside of us, we can share that power and vibration with others. Ever heard of the butterfly effect? That’s how we can make a difference.

Do your actions align with your words? Subconscious programming often shows in our reactions. We see this in our relationships; if you often make promises to change but repeat the same patterns, it’s likely there’s a story out of alignment with your true self. Aligning your actions with your values and beliefs can lead to deeper connections, stronger relationships, and increased self-esteem.

For a long time, people have said that vulnerability is a weakness. One benefit of Social Media is that, for the first time in our lifetimes, we have the freedom, power, and timing offering us the opportunity to be our fullest expression, whilst living joyfully in it. People subconsciously read body language and energy; most of the time, we can sense when someone is being inauthentic. As you are uncovering yourself, you’ll become the kind of person who magnetically attracts others like you. It’s a journey, but with every new connection you make, you'll start to feel more and more like you’re finding your way home.

One of my most vulnerable moments came quite recently when I realized I had been identifying with a story and a label that kept my heart safe for a long time. Since my teens, I had avoided committed relationships, keeping them open as a way to protect myself. I believed I couldn't trust anyone, and I had convinced myself that this was just who I was. This mindset persisted for the first year and a half with my current partner, until I finally recognized that this relationship agreement wasn’t working for me anymore. I was terrified; it felt like I had to choose between being all in or all out. Through processing my emotions, experiencing rapture, and embracing radical acceptance, I was able to open my heart. Thankfully, I was ready to give and receive the greatest love I could ask for.

As a practice for building resilience, here is an exercise for you to try:

Resilience Reflection Journal Exercise

• Materials Needed:

                - A journal or notebook

                - A pen or pencil

Instructions:

 1. Set Aside Time:

• Choose a quiet time each week (e.g., Sunday evening) to reflect on your experiences.

2. Identify Challenges:

• Write down any challenges or setbacks you faced during the week. Be specific about the situations and how they made you feel.

3. Explore Responses:

• For each challenge, reflect on how you responded. Did you react positively, negatively, or with indifference? What emotions did you experience?

4. Recognize Strengths:

• Identify any strengths you exhibited in handling these challenges. Did you stay calm, seek help, or learn something new?

5. Learn and Adapt:

• Consider what you learned from each experience. How could you approach similar challenges differently in the future? What strategies worked well?

6. Gratitude Practice:

•    Conclude each entry with three things you are grateful for. This helps shift your focus to positive aspects, enhancing your overall resilience.

7. Review Progress:

•    At the end of the month, review your entries to see patterns in your responses and growth. Celebrate your resilience and identify areas for further development.

Benefits:

- Increased Self-Awareness: Helps you understand your emotions and responses.

- Growth Mindset: Encourages viewing challenges as opportunities for growth.

- Emotional Processing: Provides a safe space to express feelings and gain perspective.

Incorporating this exercise into your routine can strengthen your resilience over time, making it easier to cope with life's ups and downs.

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