2020 New Beginnings huh!

I am sure most people already have some new year revolution list!

My 2020 revolution will be to stay more vulnerable to everything and anything I do.

I practiced more of it this year and I must admit, it was more “feelings”, more lessons learned

People don’t like being vulnerable for different reasons. Some think that others will intentionally or unintentionally take advantage of their feelings and hurt them(i must admit I was / part of me still is in this category), while others are too proud to let their guard down and they like to present themselves as perfect, untouchable creatures while they are at the same time scared of losing that status.

The truth is, vulnerability is most commonly perceived as weakness. Which is ironic, because we are all vulnerable, as the vulnerability is the core of all of our emotions. So, if we all have things we are sad for, afraid of, ashamed of and so on, are we then all weak? Or is no one weak? And how do you measure that weakness? By the width of the range of emotions one person experiences, or by the intensity of those feelings, or perhaps by their frequency? If that is so, do we take context into account or do we ignore it?

Do you see now, how ridiculous that sounds?

Brené Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston and leading expert on vulnerability and shame, did qualitative research where she asked her participants to finish the following sentence: “Vulnerability is ________.”

According to her book that I am currently reading, “Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent and Lead”, these were some of the answers she got: “starting my own business; calling a friend whose child just passed away; trying something new; getting pregnant after having three miscarriages; admitting I’m afraid; having faith.” As she says, after reading this, “Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage.”

So, if the vulnerability is in fact courage, can it be beneficial? Of course, it can.

I Narrowed down the list of Vulnerability and Shame related Benefits in my perspective

When we speak about vulnerability, we usually put it in the context of social interaction. So, naturally, you might think that showing your fears, flaws and things you are ashamed of might improve your relationships with the right people and helps you understand how other people operate. Well, you are right; it will. But, did you know it can also develop your relationship with yourself? Keep reading, and you will find out more on that topic soon.

It helps build intimacy in relationships

Opening up in front of your partner and pouring your deepest emotions out might seem scary, but it is necessary for healthy and lasting relationships. According to one of the most significant researchers in the history of psychology, John Bowlby, partners in a romantic relationship have a mutual need to nurture each other. They both switch the roles of caregiver and caretaker, and this can happen only if both of them are ready to show vulnerability and express their needs.

As Dr. Brene Brown says, falling in love is the ultimate risk that tests our vulnerability. This is at the same time a place where we will be almost certainly hurt and where we have to be our authentic selves to succeed. However, being vulnerable in romantic relationships allows us to open our hearts to our partner, receive love, be accepted for who we are, build thrust, recognize our own needs and openly ask for what we want.

It increases self-worth

Admitting you are vulnerable and you experience shame from time to time, just like anybody else will help you accept yourself for who you truly are. You won’t feel the need to compare yourself to others, and being open about your insecurities will give you a support network that will normalize your experience. When we are open about our vulnerabilities, we learn that other people feel the same way and when we have the confirmation that our needs are valid, we can receive the necessary support and learn how to deal with them.

Results of a recent study had shown that our efforts to verbally express our emotions pay off. Being honest and speaking up about what we feel, may help us overcome those negative feelings faster.

It aids innovation and motivation

Probably the most surprising benefit of vulnerability and shame is the fact that it could help you at your office. Even though we believe that is the place where we should be the toughest, things are not that simple. Every time you bring up a new idea to your boss, at a meeting or propose any changes in the firm’s tradition, you are demonstrating the vulnerability. This way, you engage, inspire innovation and show trust.

An organizational climate that supports each employee in a manner they can express their concerns and deal with challenging personal matters, helps them deal with their problems faster and therefore become focused at work again sooner. This can be done merely by encouraging empathy at the workplace. Acceptance is the key to success. Showing vulnerability also boosts the teamwork and helps employees identify with their leaders.

It provokes compassion

Remember, you won’t always be the one demonstrating the vulnerability. From time to time, you will be the one witnessing someone else’s expression of various negative emotions that end in shame. In these moments, it is crucial that you show compassion, understanding, and willingness to listen or simply be with the person who is suffering.

If you change the subject, offer a solution or tell the story of a similar experience that happened to you, you are not doing it right. By engaging in these behaviors, you are avoiding vulnerability. Most commonly, people just want you to listen and empathize with them; they are not seeking any advice. This might be uncomfortable, but that is your own courageous vulnerability being demonstrated right there.

It is a call for accountability

Admitting you are vulnerable, demonstrates the fact you are ready to take accountability for your emotions, thoughts, and actions, without placing blame. It means that you are on an excellent path to recognize that the source of your troubles is not in other people but your interpretations of their behavior.

Once you stop being afraid to express yourself, you will take over the control of your life, instead of going where the flow of current events takes you.

Vulnerability means less loneliness

Pretending you are not vulnerable is like a self-fulfilling prophecy. You are pretending to be something you are not, to avoid disappointing people around you, but according to scientific studies, that is precisely what happens. Research done by Paula Niedenthal shows that people can detect our authenticity because they sympathize with us too profoundly. In fact, they even have a physiological reaction to fake behavior. A study done by James Gross found that in-authenticity and our efforts to hide our feelings can cause a spike in other person’s blood pressure. This may explain why we feel inexplicable discomfort around people we consider to be fake. I hate using the word fake so I will say untrue to themselves instead.

On the other hand, showing vulnerability relieves our true self, which attracts the people who can understand our problems and concerns and offer support. Isn’t this the most beautiful space to be in I mean why rob yourself from this?

What do you think, does vulnerability pay off?

My answer is it has paid off I recall among the very first time I practiced – it was either when I staring my self down in the mirror trying to figure out what to wear and I had on this really nice dressed that I liked and my sister new I did cause it was either hers or mum bought it when she was around anyway the morrow of the story is when she walked in the room and I started looking for trousers instead – I clearly recall her asking “why are you removing the dress it looks good on you!?” at that particular time my first response was I will arrange your closet back to how I found it – vulnerability kicked in and the truth comes out “I don’t like how my legs look” I respond – I never felt so much vulnerable and my sister response was “whaaat! you have beautiful legs and plus if you don’t love them they won’t love you back – so you need to show them love like go do Mani n Pedi and I mean REALLY love yourself” IF YOU know me now you surely know if it is up to me I would wear mini skirt and short dresses with my vans down. without even hesitating I love most of my body and some I am still learning to love them and I am sure had I ofttimes practiced vulnerability since my early twenties I would have been in a better chapter in my life.

I hope this helps you became more vulnerable CAUSE I personally can’t wait to read this sometime in 2020 and be proud of my journey.

Today🥛 – if you let cloudy water settle, it will become clear, if you learn to become more vulnerable/passionate about your way of life, your life will become more meaningful n clear.