Emotional Vulnerability: Can you be that brave?

Vulnerability is not weakness. It is strength in its purest form.

What is vulnerability? Why is vulnerability important? How do we embrace it? And the definition of emotional vulnerability. We have all wondered at some point, how vulnerable is vulnerable? Emotional vulnerability is the gateway to creating a connection and an intermate relationship. Being vulnerable is a sign of confidence and self-awareness.

We all have weaknesses and vulnerabilities. It is a part of life and let’s be honest, it is a weird and wonderful beauty we all behold.

It is an inevitable part of our nature.

Vulnerability is often seen as a negative quality, something that needs to be hidden or overcome. However, in reality, vulnerability can be a powerful tool for personal growth and connection with others.

In this article, we will explore the concept of vulnerability, what it means, how it can be used, and why it is so important.

What is Vulnerability?

Here is my definition.

‘To be okay with not being okay and having the courage to not hide it.’

Vulnerability is the state of being exposed, open, or sensitive. This doesn’t mean broadcasting that you are sensitive and emotional, but it does mean having the confidence to own it.

It is the willingness to be seen as imperfect, to acknowledge and share your fears, doubts, and insecurities.

Vulnerability is often associated with weakness or fragility, but it is far from that. Instead, it takes immense courage, confidence and strength to be vulnerable and to be willing to put yourself out there and to be okay with facing potential rejection or judgment.

Why is Vulnerability Important?

Vulnerability is important for many reasons. Firstly, it allows us to have a deeper understanding and insight into our emotions. When we acknowledge our weaknesses and imperfections, we become more self-aware. We are open to acknowledging the not-so-perfect side of ourselves.

Being aware of who we are is empowering.

For example, if you are dyslexic and you can own it, you can benefit from the skills it can give rather than dwelling on its challenges. You will find the courage to work on those challenges rather than pushing them under the carpet.

Having a sense of empowerment will, in turn, allow us to form deeper connections with others.

When we are willing to be vulnerable with someone, we are essentially saying, "I trust who I am and therefore I can trust you." This creates a sense of closeness and intimacy that is difficult to achieve otherwise.

This also gives them the opportunity to trust us.

Thinking about all the ways to say, ‘I love you’, saying ‘I can be open and honest with who I am,’ speaks volumes.

It creates confidence in the relationship and the sentiment is clear in the behaviour.

Vulnerability is important for personal growth, along with self-awareness, it allows us to identify areas for improvement and work towards becoming our best selves.

Because you do not have any reason to hide from it.

How to Embrace Vulnerability

Embracing vulnerability is not always easy, but it is worth it.

Here are some tips for how to become more comfortable with being vulnerable:

1. Start small. You don't have to share your deepest fears with the first person you meet. Start by sharing something small, like a minor insecurity or a fear you have been working to overcome.

2. Choose the right person. Not everyone is worthy of your vulnerability. Don’t make people think you are asking for unsolicited advice, choose someone you trust and feel safe with.

3. Practice self-compassion. It's okay to feel vulnerable, and it's okay to make mistakes and you should be approaching your own mistakes the way would a friend. Ask yourself, ‘is this the critic in me?’ If the answer is yes, journal the critical thoughts on to paper as if telling a friend and then respond as you would a friend.

Be kind to yourself as you navigate this process.

4. Remember the benefits. Remind yourself of why vulnerability is important to you and what you stand to gain from being open and honest. What will you gain by being honest with yourself? What will you gain by being honest with others?

How to Journal for Emotional Vulnerability

Here are some journal prompts to help when you feel the need to explore emotional vulnerability.

Remember to answer these questions fully and expand on the questions where you can.

1. What are you scared of sharing?

2. What do you think the worst response would be if you shared? Would you share it with someone like that?

3. Do you feel that it defines you as a person? Is this a quality you like about yourself?

4. If not, is this something you want to change? If so, why do you feel you should be discreet?

5. If you do want to change it, what can you do today that would help you get closer to changing it?

Vulnerability is not weakness.

It is a powerful tool for personal growth and connection with others.

Embracing vulnerability takes courage, but the benefits are worth it. By being willing to acknowledge and share our fears and insecurities, build on our self-awareness. Journaling is a great first step to being more confident and the self-awareness desired to be confident.

So, the next time you feel the urge to hide your vulnerabilities, remember to be compassionate.