I have a question for you!
Hi friends,
I forgot to send my newsletter. And here is why:
My son had a health scare, he is ok now, but it was really scary.
And my house is under repairs, and because of work and school from home, we can't live there while that is happening.
And I got behind, and tired. Maybe you can relate?
This is vulnerability. It feels good to tell you that.
Authenticity, vulnerability, they are freeing agents. You don't have to have it all together - none of us do.
Brené Brown describes (my paraphrase) how vulnerability is the first thing we look for in others, but the last thing we want to show.
Why is that?
I believe we look for vulnerability in others in part because it helps us feel "safe" with another person - we exhale at their lack of perfection and their normalcy. We see ourselves in them.
And we often hide our own vulnerability because we fear judgement and shame.
Now, not every context is appropriate for vulnerability, or for all levels of vulnerability. But you get my point.
I believe in writing vulnerably, I believe in the power of real connection, and in stories.
Now that I've "gone first," what have you been facing?
And what tenderness does that vulnerability need from you? Who do you need to tell?
I have a few new articles over at Darling Magazine that use the power of vulnerability to hopefully prompt your own reflections.
The first article is all about vulnerability itself:
it is called "With Vulnerability Comes the Good Stuff."
I really thought it would feel different to be a grown-up - not so messy and, well, vulnerable - can you relate to that? (I quote my favorite song writer in the article - my husband ;)
The other article is probably my most vulnerable to date, When I Stopped Seeking Attention From Someone Who Didn't Deserve It. I wrote this in hopes it would help others, let me know if you read it. I have loved hearing from people about it.
I just wrapped up an interview with Laura Tremaine, who recently published her book: Share Your Stuff, I'll Go First. Speaking of vulnerability, this is a fun and relatable guide to the power of vulnerability.
Have you listened to my conversation with Cha Barefield? I am still moved by her description that:
"If you are alive, there are two things that are irrefutable, there is room for you to be who you are in this world and there is a need for you to be who you are in this world."
I hope you tune into a new short Guided Meditation all about validation out Friday. Validating the vulnerable parts of you is part of embracing love.
“When we were children, we used to think that when we were grown-up we would no longer be vulnerable. But to grow up is to accept vulnerability... To be alive is to be vulnerable.”
― Madeleine L'Engle