Do you try to lock it away? Or do you shed it externally through tears only you can see? Have you ever been there when a friend or complete stranger is vulnerable? Do you try to hug them and tell them that there will always be another test or another love? Or do you leave them in their solitude because their vulnerability makes you feel vulnerable? Do you dislike the thoughts that you associate with the word? Vulnerability.
A powerful word. A word that is at the heart of the very definition of being human. Of being alive. Without it, there would be no compassion. No anger, no tears, no emotions. The world would be gray.
The other day I watched a TED talk at the behest of a lecturer for my Entrepreneurial Insights class. I came to the video with expectations of learning how to be a better presenter, but I came away with so much more. In twenty minutes, Brené Brown’s Power of Vulnerability showed me the key to being a strong minded person. It taught me that not everything can be perfect. There are factors you can’t control that will shift the bricks you so carefully placed. However, instead of letting the imperfection control you, you need to embrace the feelings that it evokes. You need to accept the vulnerability because “vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change,” (Brené Brown).
Since watching the talk, I have made strides to try and embrace my inner vulnerability. It has been a tough journey so far. I am one of those people who hates showing extreme emotion; just ask any of my friends who have seen me cry. Every tear that fell from my eye made shake in anger at myself. I felt weak. Powerless. Dare I say…vulnerable. I've been this way since I could remember. Maybe it was because I was the eldest child. Or maybe because martial arts taught strength, not weakness. However, in the two week span following the TED talk, I have made steps. First I submitted a very personal childhood story for a show on campus (anonymously of course). Then I told my roommates about something that happened in high school that I've never come to terms with. After both instances, my eyes were wet with tears. However, I wasn't angry. I was relieved. I was happier that I stopped holding it in.
I hope that after reading this and watching the TED talk you will embrace your vulnerable moments. You will realize the strength that lies within the word. Next time your friend or a stranger is feeling vulnerable, I push for you to confront them, listen to them, then say the most powerful words that one can say in such a situation. “Me too,” (Brené Brown). Empathy paired with vulnerability is what will make all of us stronger inside. Having that strength in times you feel the lowest is what will make you the best you the world wants to see.
Thank you