In the book Daring Greatly, Brene Brown shows us how to find the courage to be vulnerable in a world where no one wants to seem like they are weak. Brown argues that vulnerability is behind all feelings, including all the positive and negative ones. Vulnerability is not bad or good, it is about being courageous with your feelings.
Important Takeaways
Vulnerability means you are courageous and strong, not weak. Vulnerability is neither a good thing nor a bad thing. It is natural and a part of life. It is important to experience being vulnerable and feeling your feelings. Being able to open up and feel vulnerable is a sign of strength and actually takes a lot of courage. Instead of avoiding things you are facing them head on when you choose to be vulnerable. When you refuse to be vulnerable you are missing out on being open with yourself and experiencing all of your emotions. A great example of vulnerability is when you fall in love with someone. When you allow someone into your heart, you then give that person the power to hurt you. You must open up and let down your walls to truly let someone love you. Being vulnerable with the person you love means you must put your trust into someone else. Vulnerability can be the source of heartbreak and pain, but also the source of love.
A big fear of being vulnerable is embarrassment or shame. You can build resistance to these feelings by understanding it and accepting that there is nothing to be shameful about. For example, it takes a lot of courage to go up on a stage and be vulnerable during a performance. What if you mess up? What if everyone laughs at you? These are some fears many people have when it comes to being vulnerable. However there are the chances of impressing the audience and receiving recognition for your talents. If things don’t go your way, the failure and shame you feel from being vulnerable is only temporary. Giving up would mean you will never get to experience all the positive emotions and experiences that come with being vulnerable.
Being vulnerable makes you a good role model, especially for your kids or future kids. Even if you don’t have kids, it is a great character trait to have. Others will look up to you when you make the choice to be vulnerable. For example, if you avoid things and refuse to be vulnerable, your kids will do the same. Your children will never be open with you and could be traumatized for the rest of their lives. It’s best to hold these vulnerable values like honesty, courage, and ambition.