Sometimes, we strive so hard to meet others' expectations that we lose sight of our true selves. We may build protective barriers, fearing judgment and rejection, or numb our vulnerability and emotions to avoid looking silly. However, these behaviours distance us from our yearnings for inner peace, joy, and happiness.

Bill Gove once proclaimed:

"If I want to be free, I've got to be me. Not the me you think I should be, not the me I think my wife thinks I should be, not the me I think my kids think I should be. If I want to be free, I've got to be me so I better know who me is."

We will explore in this article how allowing ourselves to be vulnerable can set us free.

Understanding Vulnerability
Vulnerability is often associated with uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure. Many individuals have tried to outrun or outsmart vulnerability, seeking certainty and definiteness. However, this aversion limits our experiences of love, belonging, trust, joy, and creativity.

Learning to embrace vulnerability may be challenging, but it is worth it, as Dr Brené Brown, a renowned author and professor, shares from her own journey.

The liberating power of vulnerability
The Liberating Power of Vulnerability occurs in the following conditions:

1. Embracing Authenticity:

When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we are true to ourselves. We no longer pretend to be someone we are not. We embrace our authentic selves.

2. Emotional Freedom:

By being in tune with our feelings and emotions, we can liberate ourselves from negative emotions that hold us back, allowing us to experience true freedom.

3. Opening the Heart:

Embracing vulnerability opens our hearts. We learn to love and accept ourselves, fostering a deep sense of self-compassion and self-acceptance.

4. Strength and Growth:

Vulnerability is not a weakness. It is a strength that enables deeper connections and personal growth. It takes courage to be vulnerable. By doing so, we build inner strength.

5. Authenticity and Connection:

Showing up as our true selves allows us to be authentic, attracting genuine connections with others who appreciate and accept us for who we are.

6. Trust and positive responses:

As we learn to trust ourselves and others, we open up and venture beyond our comfort zones. In doing so, we often experience positive and understanding responses from those around us.

Steps to Embrace Vulnerability and Set Yourself Free:

Step 1: Boost Self-Esteem and Self-Acceptance:

Strengthen your self-esteem by recognizing and accepting your brilliance and flaws. Understand that making mistakes is part of the human experience and contributes to your personal growth.

Practise self-care, set boundaries, and celebrate your achievements to cultivate self-compassion and self-love.

Step 2: Practice Self-Compassion and Self-Love:

Cultivate a compassionate understanding of yourself. Be mindful of your self-talk and practise being kind to yourself, especially if you are sensitive. Recognize and appreciate your successes by listing them from childhood to the present date. This exercise reveals how much you have accomplished. We tend to underestimate our accomplishments and true potential.

Step 3: Enhance your communication and assertiveness skills:

Strengthen your ability to express vulnerability by improving your communication and assertiveness skills. Seek workshops or courses leading with effective communication, active listening, and assertiveness training. These skills empower you to express your vulnerability with courage and confidence.

To conclude, embracing vulnerability allows you to live authentically and liberates you from the constraints of an inauthentic existence. It unlocks the freedom to be your true self and enables you to align your life in harmony with your genuine aspirations. Imagine the feeling of true liberation and the joy of living your life authentically. If this resonates with you, consider joining the Masterclass "Say Yes! To Love." Click here to learn more.

Relevant articles:

Building Self-Love For Perfectionists (Part 7)

Building Self-Love For Perfectionists Series - Part 6

Building Self-Love For Perfectionists Series - Part 5

Building Self-Love For Perfectionists Series - Part 4

Building Self-Love For Perfectionists Series - Part 3

Building Self-Love For Perfectionists Series - Part 2

Building Self-Love For Perfectionists Series - Part 1

 

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