Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage.  Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.” -Brene’ Brown

Do you think people really want to know the truth?  I believe most people do not, but there are some of us that yearn for it, who have fought for it, and live in it as much as possible.  It is not always easy to hear or assess the truth and what that truth means to you.  Hearing and delivering the truth requires vulnerability, and this is sometimes scary.  Scary because “truth” (whether hearing it or delivering it) makes you reflect inward and face the truth about yourself.  I am reading Daring Greatly by Brene’ Brown.  The core of her work is centered on vulnerability.  Brene’ states, “Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity.  It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity.  If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path”.  The ability to be vulnerable takes quite a bit of strength.  It puts you out there, and now that I am “living off the porch”, I am required to be vulnerable in almost all areas of my life.  Being vulnerable requires me to say no, to try new things, test new relationships, challenge old relationships, go on new adventures, and that is just a few examples.

This month I chose to be vulnerable in exploring a new friendship, and though it was quite uncomfortable at times, guess what?  I gained great clarity into someone else and was forced to get even more clarity in who I am and what I want.  I allowed myself to explore someone who intrigued me and is new in my life.  With any friendship, exposing yourself is taking a risk.  Brene’ Brown defines vulnerability as uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure.  Well I jumped of the ledge of uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure this time…LOL.  I’m not sure if this person showed any level of vulnerability (I don’t know them well enough to really assess), but they did show up and they were very honest in who they are and their limitations, which really tested me and my decision to authentically “live off the porch.”  I had to ask myself the following questions:

• Do I make myself smaller to fit into someone else’s limitations?
• Do I walk in another direction because that is not who I am anymore?

This was such an awesome test for me, because I was able to assess what originally sparked my intrigue and if it aligned with what was honestly being presented.  It did not, and I was able to answer the questions above honestly with great clarity in who they are and who I am now.  Had I not been open to explore and take a risk, I would have probably continued to wonder.  No regrets here.  I experienced something and someone new, and that is what life is for me these days…I Live, I learn, and I keep moving and being open to new experiences.

My Takeaways: 

• Being vulnerable means to take risks, and I am open to where this adventure of life leads me.
• When the truth is presented clearly, you owe yourself to take the time to explore how that truth affects you and how you choose to move forward. It is in your power!

My Challenge for you:

• Think of a situation in your life that intrigues you, but you’ve been too afraid to explore. What’s the worst that could happen if you explore it?
• Think of a situation where you either need to tell someone a hard truth (maybe a difficult conversation that needs to be had), or you need to receive honesty from someone.  Ask yourself why the truth is necessary?  Is it so you or someone else can move on?  If revealing this truth is worth your vulnerability, imagine yourself in this situation and write it out.  Pick a date, when you will accept or reveal this truth.