the power of vulnerability

As a collective, we continue to beat around the bush of an infinite amount of topics and conversations because of our fear of vulnerability. Vulnerability in it of itself is a vague telling. Is it an emotion? Is it a reaction? In which vulnerability can fit into both of those categories, vulnerability in virtue is a state of mind.

We have associated vulnerability with negative connotation. This can include, but is not limited to: crying, expressing emotions, expressing concerns, telling of traumas, etc. Vulnerability is emotional logic. It is something in which logic and emotion go hand in hand. When in labor, the creation of vulnerability pursues.

In women, especially, we view vulnerability as a weakness. We view it as merely a sign of the times; something that comes in waves and short comings. We have accepted defeat to vulnerability. And now, as a societal norm, it is deemed as a weakness.

We are afraid of vulnerability because it is a force to be reckoned with outside of our comfort zone. There is no comfort inside of vulnerability. Emotional exposure is a dead end. Typically, "crowds" will gather around to see what has been served on the platter of embarrassment and uncertainty. They will eat and pick at our skin, and in this case, it is because we let them.

A skill in life that I have learned so early on is that we have to turn our weaknesses into our strengths. In theory, it's a rather simple concept to grasp but in practice, not so much. Using vulnerability as a strength can take years and years to develop. It holds negative connotation, and will forever be seen in that somber shadow if we as a society do nothing about it. And it sounds as if I fabricated this entire excerpt, but this is what I have to say about vulnerability:

It is okay to feel "not okay" when being vulnerable.

We avoid vulnerability, even those who already mastered its power of strength. It is in human nature to avoid feeling those emotions that make us feel nauseous.  So, in those first waves of stepping out of your "safe bubble", it is okay to feel bad. It is important, however, that you remember why you stepped out of your bubble in the first place. You stepped out to callous your exterior in order for other waves of short comings to be at the very least predictable. That in it of itself, is worthy of a standing ovation. The more steps you take, the more tough your skin becomes. Isn't that silly? Making your skin tough in order for it to be soft?

We are all vulnerable.
Whether we like it our not, we are all susceptible to emotional exposure; to uncertainty. We will, at some point, cry in front of people we don't know very well. We will all burst out in a fit of rage. We will all be washed over in apathy. It is something we will all, inevitably, experience. And it is something that we cannot escape. We can be vulnerable in crowds, and we can be vulnerable with ourselves in solace. You cannot escape yourself. And once you start to connect the dots, you will be able to understand yourself.

Being vulnerable is powerful. Having your heart on your sleeve is powerful. When you use emotional exposure, whether to benefit a group of just yourself, it opens up a sense of solitude. When your emotions are on display for the world to see, there is nothing else a person can do to dig underneath. There is one layer. And of course, this argument will be overlooked. And I understand that. But for the people who seemingly understand me, know that vulnerability is outside our comfort zone, but is simultaneously our home.

The home of the human race.

And in virtue, I firmly believe that in order to be a leader you will have to become vulnerable. And that is okay.

But it's okay if it's not okay.