Sunday, March 16, 2008
I Feel So Vulnerable
In my very humble opinion vulnerability gets a bad rap. By its own definition it is in and of itself vulnerable to negative connotations. It’s often equated to being REALLY exposed and susceptible to major hurt. While that is true, there is a positive flip-side to being vulnerable.
I think I am hearing a collective, “What? What could possibly be the positive flip-side to being vulnerable?”
OK guys, this is just my opinion and based on my own personal experience; being vulnerable is being human. It is sharing my truest feelings, the ones that come from heart. It is sharing ME fully, the good and not so good. It is an opportunity for growth, deeper relationships, and realness. It is NOT in any way a means to becoming a doormat. No way! I get to choose when, where, and the people I am vulnerable with. Let me give you an example…
Just recently I shared some very deep, personal feelings with a VERY special person. I was real, I was open, and I was vulnerable as hell. (Not to mention scared to bits.) Yes, I was exposed and susceptible to hurt, but that was the chance I CHOSE to take. Why? Because I knew that if I was not willing to be a bit vulnerable and willing to put myself out there I would NEVER know the potential possibilities available. All I would know was the feelings I had deep inside and the “what ifs” attached to not sharing.
Basically, I felt I had more to gain than I did to lose by being vulnerable. Whatever the outcome I was being true to me, being true to my feelings, and my own integrity and that is NEVER a bad thing. Oh, and guess what? The outcome was not negative. Quite to the contrary, it was wonderful!! I gained in so many ways, more than I could have EVER imagined.
So here’s to coming out from behind the safety of the shadows and letting the truest, realest person shine through. Next time you are afraid to be a bit vulnerable, please ask yourself the following, “Do I have more to gain or more to lose by being me and sharing who I really am with the world?”
Peace, Love, and Light to all of you!!
P.S. In the spirit of being vulnerable I am asking for your help. It is my goal in the next two weeks to gain 100 subscribers to the Weekly Messages of YOUR Heart so together we can tune into our own hearts and really make a huge difference. If you or someone you know wants to dig a bit deeper, have a bit more fun each week, and learn something really cool about you, please consider subscribing. It is of no cost to you other than some time. Please help me to make my goal, and in turn help make this world a more loving and fun place for all. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!!
Posted by Pam at 5:15:11 PM in Creating Change (86) | Permalink | Comments (6)
Comments
Hi Pam...Fabulous post! When it comes to close, personal relationships although it may seem that you have the potential to lose something by being vulnerable, the truth is you have nothing to lose. If being openly, fully yourself with someone backfires then the relationship would never have worked regardless. Being true to yourself and open in your relationships is the only way to genuinely connect with others.
Posted by Lisa Wilder on 17/03/2008
Thank you, Lisa!! You make an AWESOME point -- thank you. What a great reminder as well to never compromise for the sake of a relationship that probably would not have worked in the first place.Posted by Pam on 17/03/2008
Very cool post. I really appreciate people that have the ability to be courageous. Following your heart is often one of the most courageous things we can do. Taking risk with the heart can really hurt if it doesn't turn out the way we want. Even though in the long run it usually turns out the way it should it is still very difficult to expose ourselves to hurt. I admire the not only the courage, but the strength of character to share with others. Your courage will no doubt continue to serve you well.Posted by Rocky on 17/03/2008
Rocky, thank you so much. I really appreciate your insight and kind words a great deal. You are so right when you say, "Taking risk with the heart can really hurt if it doesn't turn out the way we want. Even though in the long run it usually turns out the way it should it is still very difficult to expose ourselves to hurt." Wise words -- thank you for sharing!!Posted by Pam on 18/03/2008
Pam:You are the picture of authenticity and I so appreciate your vulnerability. It reminds me of the Marianne Williamson quote which says that when we allow our light to shine, we unconsciously allow others to do the same. Sometimes it just takes someone to go first and then we find that vulnerability and authenticity become "cool." Thanks for being the change. I like what Rocky said, too, about courage and following your heart. After all, the word courage comes from the root "cour" which means heart, so to have courage is, literally, to follow your heart.
Thank you for you, my friend!!
Posted by Jodee Bock on 21/03/2008
Thank you, my friend..I am touched beyond words. :) Here is to always following our hearts.Posted by Pam on 21/03/2008
