What is vulnerability and is it a sign of strength or weakness? Vulnerability to me is the ability to reveal or share parts of ourselves that may lead to judgement directly impacting our sense of being. For many, showing ones vulnerability may be perceived as a sign of weakness however the intent on showing ones vulnerability in itself, in my opinion, is the greatest form of strength. Vulnerability is a form of sharing, bonding and mutual understanding, the experience of exposing and experiencing those very sensitive parts of ourselves and to be willingly open to judgement or criticism requires great strength.

Being vulnerable with your loved ones opens opportunities for communication, bonding and acceptance. Vulnerability isn’t just about sharing your emotions. It’s about sharing what’s deep within, even at the risk of being rejected. Vulnerability is something we tend to ignore in our day-to-day life, however, without it, we miss the core to our being. We miss our authenticity.

Vulnerability doesn’t only center upon feelings and emotions it is also about sharing achievements, milestones and experiences. To be brave enough to take that fist step wether it is in your career or in an important life decision, to share your accomplishments and be open to criticism. Vulnerablility strengthens us as human beings as it makes us authentic sharing parts of ourselves and our lives that might feel too delicate to share.

Just like a job, a test or an achievement it’s not always going to be easy. Sometimes one worries that exposing our vulnerabilities may be used against us, that we will not be loved the way we want to be loved if we were authentic, however it requires confidence and a strong belief in yourself to share your vulnerability.

In today’s society we are conditioned to mask what may be  perceived as weaknesses, however, these weaknesses, such as fears, our dreams and aspirations are the essence to our being. A lot of people today are hiding behind that mask, afraid of revealing who they truly are. Social media, job titles, statuses are all masks we tend to hide behind to mask our vulnerability. Sharing this post is a an act of vulnerability. How my posts are regarded and perceived is a form of vulnerability. You must be brave enough to take that first step towards vulnerability or forever remain confined in the same dilemma of living an inauthentic life.