Linda asked us to write about our favorite word today. That’s a tough one, as there’s just SO many good ones out there. I suppose it all depends on my mood. Lately though, I’ve been enjoying the meaning of this certain word quite a bit. Vulnerability. I know, at first glance it reads like a bad word. Like describing someone who isn’t safe, or scared, maybe. It’s uncomfortable. I suppose that’s kind of true. When you are vulnerable, you are at risk. Sometimes, you get hurt. Or sad. Or scared. But those things are exactly what I like about vulnerability. I purposefully place myself in the position of being vulnerable as often as I can. It’s where I’m real. No walls up, no defensive coping mechanisms, no pretending. Just raw, honest, real…me.
When you step into the uncomfortable arena of vulnerability, it’s like being a seed which has been buried for weeks, germinating in the cold dirt, and finally the shell cracks open. It feels like total destruction, but really…that is the moment when you begin to grow. It really is quite beautiful to experience.
I’ve been published again. I’m in this month’s issue of Nursing 2018. This is my second article published in a nursing journal, but this one doesn’t seem to be getting quite the accolades from my friends as the first one. This one shines a light on uneasiness and vulnerability and shame…and that’s exactly what I love about it…
The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS June 2/18
Vulnerability isn’t something people are comfortable talking about, that’s for sure. It represents weakness–something we’re afraid to show because what if others use it to take advantage of us? And something we’re afraid to point out in others for fear that they’ll shut down and stop interacting with us.
But I agree, it’s a beautiful thing. It’s something that we all have, vulnerability. Those who are afraid to admit it are the poorest of us, in my opinion. Then again, there are those out there in the world who we have every good reason not to show our vulnerabilities to. As I’m sure you know.
Yes! Weakness exposed…fear…all of it. Vulnerability is not for sissies!
Congratulations on being published.
Thank you!
Beautifully written! The amazing power of vulnerability. Not too surprised the response is a bit quieter. Most people aren’t as evolved as you’ve become.
Thank you, Susan💕 I think my pastor said it best, “God heals you do you can go out and heal others”. I suppose that’s why I’m doing it…they will all come around, some day…
I must honestly admit how much I struggle still with vulnerability Jami in fact I am being shown that truth more and more.. Thank you for writing this.
I think like anything, it ebbs and flows. Some situations make it easier than others, maybe? Or some days we are feeling more brave? I think it’s most courageous to be vulnerable after you’ve been struggling with it. Not supposed to be easy, right?
No not for us anyway..😚
If it were easy, ANYONE could do it. Nope, this stuff is for warriors💪🏻💪🏻
I just read your powerful article with it’s important messages about listening and being real….being vulnerable. My training as a counselor discouraged self disclosure, but when I did occasionally share my experience, it helped. (In receiving therapy, I’ve appreciated knowing my therapist experienced something similar though it’s not necessary.) You’ve shown how healing this can be when done with gentleness and a genuine heart. I loved reading about how your patient became empowered. It never goes away, but it’s never too late to heal. Congratulations on continuing to publish valuable work!
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It pulled up! Hopefully that means it’s fixed. Let me know if this goes through
It did! I’m back!!!!