Vulnerability
The decision to smile is truly powerful. It indicates that you are a survivor who, despite your pain, continues to work towards exhibiting happiness and experiencing joy. Behind every smile is a compelling testimony. Understand this takes courage. I really wrestled with whether or not to write on this topic, but I must be obedient and candid with you all. For I know that in revealing my inner-most thoughts, I can help someone. If this only helps one person, then I am truly satisfied.
There’s something about being vulnerable that we are afraid of and we fear. It’s the state in which you are the most susceptible to being hurt. We are afraid of being truly vulnerable because we don’t want to be let down, rejected, or ridiculed. I must admit that I have tried to run from my own vulnerabilities. Afraid that the act of admitting and facing them made me a weak person or soft. I have guarded myself. I allowed heartbreak to cripple me. I delayed my recovery for a long time by refusing to accept reality. But, it is in the midst of my own vulnerability that I have changed my outlook.
It’s a beautiful thing. For in that weakness, you find your strength. Do not be mistaken, everyone does not deserve to see your vulnerable side. Because, truth be told some people will take advantage of it. Vulnerability is more so for yourself. And with time, you can allow those who are worthy to see that side. The act of truly being honest with yourself is the soil that you need to grow. It sheds light on your insecurities and self-doubt. The things we try to conceal out of the erroneous belief that if we face them they will be somehow be revealed to others. As if, you will have a stamp visible on your forehead alerting them. So, we hide them. Attempting to cover them up and lock them away. But, let me be frank with you. They will never go away UNLESS you truly grapple with them. This entails getting a hold of them, forcing yourself to identify the roots, and working towards redefining them. You have the ability to revamp the meanings behind your insecurities, worries, and doubts. REVAMP THEM. Giving them a new significance. Stop allowing them to be little bursts of negativity that spoil you. Stop posting about them on social media for attention and instead give your own self the attention and validation you seek from others. You deserve it.
Take a Chance
Part of embracing your vulnerability is making the decision to not let such a temporary emotion become a permanent regret. Take a Chance! Don’t just make goals, go for them. Sometimes you have to take a risk to get where you want to get. If I want to seize a new opportunity and I feel self-doubt creeping in. I literally stop myself and say, “Go for it. The worst that can happen is they say no, and you will be in the same position you are in now. The place you’d inevitably be without trying.” Turn your ‘What-Ifs’ to ‘Let’s Do’s.”
Believe in You
Simple. How can you expect others to believe in you, if you don’t even show yourself the same courtesy.
Appreciate What You Do Have
Stop coveting others and what they have. Appreciate what is right in front of your face. Sometimes we get so focused on how the grass on the other side seems so much greener than our own, that we forget that if we actually took the time to water our own grass it would be just as green.
Helpful Scripture: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Don’t become discouraged in your time of vulnerability. This time is needed in order for you to become a better you! You’ve got this.
Keep Climbing,
