I wanted to talk about one of today’s buzz words: VULNERABILITY.
EVERYONE has something about themselves that they wish they could do away with or don’t like. And it takes courage to be self-aware enough to admit it to oneself, and even more to admit to it, openly, in the presence of others. Let’s face it, if it’s hard to admit to yourself that there are things about your character and behavior that you don’t like or is wrong, it’s even harder to be open about it with someone you love, like or respect.
We are all struggling with something, even those with more money, “better looks,” more physical possessions, “better jobs,” and in relationships (when you’re single and feel no one wants you!). I use quotation marks because often enough we focus on how much better people have it, when we have no idea whatĀ their situation really is. Life wouldn’t be life without struggles, and while it’s definitely true that some are more advantaged than others, you’d be wrong in assuming that we don’t all struggle in life in some way,shape or form.
Vulnerability is letting people see the side of you that struggles. The broken pieces of your life, past or present, and the baggage you carry with you… because whether it’s oversized or not, we all carry some! Being vulnerable requires saying āthere are some things Iām dealing with internally that Iām barely willing to think about. If I open up to you and let you in, I simultaneously open myself up to be judged, potentially harshly. These are the things that I am deeply ashamed of, some because Iām embarrassed that I was foolish enough to let this happen to me, and others because I was evil enough to do it to other people.ā Being vulnerable is an act of courage. Courage to be yourself, with your flaws and baggage. Courage to open up and potentially be judged, even negatively. Courage to admit you need and want to be better.
For thousands of years,Ā most of the world’s societies have taught us that being vulnerable is a sign of weakness. How wrong! It’s one of the most courageous things a person can do! You are arming someone else with the truth of yourself, and opening yourself up to criticism, and action against you. But you do it because you are strong and courageous enough, and because you recognize that you want to change, and that you should change to be a better person.
If you think about it, it’s usually really strong people (mentally, spiritually) that are able to be vulnerable enough to open up to others about their mistakes and wrongdoings.
Vulnerability is also an act of honesty and transparency, as well as one of extreme intelligence and high-level communication. It’s an essential element to successful relationships with anyone, be it family, friends, co-workers or a significant other.
Vulnerability allows you to live in accordance to your own nature, being genuine to yourself, what you like and dislike about yourself and what defines your personality.
Who are you truly? Don’t hide it. Embrace it, own up to it, be open about it. And constantly work to be a better person, with the help of those around you.
If you do that, you not only open yourself up to a deeper connection with yourself, but also with those around you and the world.
Before I let you carry on with your day let me remind you that we have a MASSIVE New Year’s Eve night planned for you:
12.31.22 – NYE Techno by COMPOUND w/ Slam, DJ T-1000, Sophia Saze, and Andrew S.
Have a great week!
Marco and the WORK Team (Synthetik Minds & 6AM)
