The Challenges of Vulnerability



Brené Brown, the woman who said the above words, is an American scholar, author, and public speaker. She wrote a book on vulnerability (a book which I am slowly working my way through), and the courage that comes with being vulnerable. The topic of vulnerability is one that has popped up several times in the past few months, not only in my own life but in the lives of those around me. 

 The one thing that has really stood out for me from all of the conversations and reflections is that we are never really taught how to be vulnerable. As kids we are taught how to be strong, independent and how to look like we have it all together. But we are never taught how to be vulnerable. Have you ever thought about it? 

 As a result of not being taught, when most people hit their mid twenties they realise that vulnerability is key in any relationship but then find themselves in the position of not being able to know how to. Being vulnerable requires that you be open about your scars, your weaknesses, and your flaws.  But what happens when you don't even know what those are? When we go through things, be it trauma or pain we learn how to suppress them. We learn how to hide them under other things to the point where we forget that they are even there. So how are you going to be vulnerable and share what you don't even know about yourself?

 So my question now becomes: how does one even learn how to be vulnerable? Where do you start? Are there steps that need to be followed, and how will you know that you're making progress? I'm really interested to find out what your thoughts are on this topic. Is it easy for you to be vulnerable? Where/Who did you learn it from? What are your thoughts on vulnerability and its role in relationships?

 Feel free to leave your comment below, lets have a fruitful conversation. 
I am an Occupational Therapist by profession, but I have many roles that bring meaning to my life. In short, I love people, books and love.

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