Go Big by Going Small; Why Vulnerability is the Game-Changing Secret Ingredient for Success

 

Vulnerability is a fundamental component of human connection. Looking closely at the things that make us feel vulnerable in life can help us transcend our limitations and forge meaningful connections with others. In today's age, where social media often portrays an edited and manufactured version of life, the meaning of vulnerability might seem obscured or diffused.

But vulnerability is important because it allows us to share our thoughts, emotions, and experiences with others, allowing for the creation of bonds and more profound connections. With that, here are 5 ways to practice vulnerability:

1. Self-Awareness

The first step in practicing vulnerability is to be more aware of your thoughts and emotional landscape within their context. Sit with them, give them room to unfold, and ask yourself what meaning they may hold.

2. Self-Acceptance

Self-acceptance entails that regardless of the imperfections and inadequacies that we perceive in ourselves, we remain grounded, honest, and open to growth and change. This step allows us to embrace our authentic selves fully and share it with those we trust.

3. Courage

Being vulnerable requires courage. It takes fortitude to confront fear and communicate our emotions to others honestly. It means taking personal risks and being open to the possibility of judgment or rejection.

4. Trust

Vulnerability requires another person on the other end; someone, you are willing to open up to and share your thoughts and emotions. It's vital to share our vulnerability with people who have demonstrated trustworthiness, empathy, and consistency.

5. Practice vulnerability through communication

Many people have a preconceived notion of what it means to be strong, and These notions could be challenging to shake. However, vulnerability could mean expressing oneself openly without coming from a place of weakness.

By arming yourself with communication skills and a willingness to share your authentic thoughts and emotions, you also build trust and a better social support structure.

Practicing vulnerability can be scary; however, it is very crucial to our personal growth and mental health. As you open yourself up to others and embrace your authentic self, you begin to forge connections with others. The result is a sense of community and deeper relationships that lead to personal connections and positive life changes. Whether it's in our personal or professional life, apply little steps today to live in vulnerable ways, to communicate authentically and openly, without reservation. It will only serve you in positive ways and ultimately strengthen who you are as a person.

-me

Vanessa Wallace-GonzalesThe Masks I Wore

currently listening to The Makings of You, by Curtis Mayfield

follow me @ https://soultight.blogspot.com/

On being thankful

My life hasn't been perfect. It hasn't gone the way I have dreamed, but it could be worse-a whole lot worse, and I am grateful for what I have.  I'm here. God has been so good to me. I have a lot: A great family. I have a God daughter who loves me and likes to draw pictures for me. I have a nephew whose face lights up when he sees me. I have a great mom who brags to every one she sees and knows, about how good I am to her. I have  the bestest of best friends in my friend Steve. I have lots of close friends (lots of fairweather friends too, but I don't count them).  I have a great job, and I'm even proud of  the company I work for.It's so rare, these days to have both a job, and a job that you love. I'm grateful for my late grandfather. He was the man, my father image. He taught me how to treat women. I watched how he related to my mother. I watched how my mother related to him. Until he passed away about 10 years ago, I never once heard her disrespect him. I never even heard her speak up when he was wrong unless it was really important. She didn't just tell me to respect my elders, she was practicing what she preached. She still does.  Perhaps I'm biased;  you all know the story-my mom  adopted me when I was 11 months old . She said that no one wanted me, but she did. For that I am grateful. Imagine, feeling worthless and knowing that someone loves you.
I digress.

Two nights ago my lemon of a car broke down, forcing me to walk  about 10 blocks to the closest bus stop to go to work, and I complained to myself about having to walk, until I saw, across the street, a man in a wheel chair, wheeling himself to the same bus stop. I had to stop myself and thank God for my being to walk. I have so much to be grateful for.

What are you thankful for?