“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.” ~ Brene Brown

Most people associate the idea of vulnerability with weakness.They want to avoid being vulnerable in any capacity so they are not taken advantage of or hurt. The need to protect oneself is logical. If you put up walls, then no one can hurt you. But that also means that no one can connect with you.

Connecting emotionally with others is one of the fundamental needs we have as humans.

While there are people and situations in which it is best to have stricter boundaries, the choice to keep our walls up at all times can be detrimental to our well-being.

If we take a closer look at vulnerability, we would see that it leads to connections with others and authentic living.

Every time we open up to others, it is a risk because we don’t know how they are going to respond. But this risk is necessary in order to have emotional intimacy with others. Taking a risk is what is essential to have those deep and meaningful connections that we long for. Choosing to be vulnerable means choosing to be authentic. Letting others see us for who we really are can provide an opportunity for us to be loved and valued for our authentic selves. This leads to feelings of joy and belonging. Making the choice to be vulnerable is not comfortable, but most of the rewarding things in life that require courage are uncomfortable and come with great risk.

It takes great courage to take a risk and be vulnerable. But without taking this risk, we won’t experience the rewards of vulnerability.

Written By: Elizabeth Kraich, LAPC