Being Vulnerable Will Give You Courage

How easy do you find it to be vulnerable? In my years of helping clients, I've noticed that people find it hard to admit to vulnerability. They carry the notion of "having to be strong" and not showing their emotions. But true courage is not about having to put on a mask and pretend everything is okay. It's about being brave enough to show our sensitivity and accept ourselves as we are. True courage involves self-acceptance, recognising that we are only human, and that's okay. And interestingly, by accepting ourselves on every level we become stronger and more courageous than ever.

Being Vulnerable Is Being Assertive

When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and share that with others, it's a very assertive thing to do. It takes courage to step into the light and say, "I'm feeling worried, anxious, unsure, vulnerable. It's just where I'm at right now - and I'm brave enough to say so."

The lovely thing is that when we open our hearts and accept ourselves, others see that and accept us too. They respect and admire our courage for being our true selves, and that validation is a great boost for self-esteem.

Moreover, sharing your own vulnerability gives other people the message that it's okay for them to be vulnerable too. That's an act of kindness to them - it will help them find their courage too.

So the next time you feel tempted to hide your feelings, be brave. Take the courage to step into the light and say what you really feel. If you're struggling, consider seeking help from a therapist who can help you build your confidence.