Vulnerability

"I've learned that the more vulnerable I allow myself to be, the more in control of myself I really am." - Anonymous

Many of us feel that we can only show our strong, confident side. We believe the face we have to show the world should always be one of politeness, perfection, calm, strength, and control.

While it is certainly good and often appropriate to be in control, calm, and strong, there is another side to all of us - that part of us that feels needy, becomes frightened, has doubts, feels unloved and unwanted, and gets angry. That part of us that needs care, love and reassurrance that things will be okay. Expressing these needs makes us vulnerable and less than perfect, but this side needs our acceptance too.

Allowing ourselves to be vulnerable (with others) will help us build lasting relationships. Sharing our vulnerablilities helps us feel close to people, and helps others feel close to us. It helps us grow in self-love and self-acceptance. It helps us become healing agents. It allows us to become whole and accessible to others.

"Today, I will allow myself to be vulnerable with others when it's safe and appropriate to do so."

(Figuring out when it is safe to be vulnerable with others is my problem, but God is working on that in me as well.)

From "Language of Letting Go" by Melody Beattie