Being vulnerable is never easy, nor does it come naturally to most of us. Webster’s dictionary defines the word ‘vulnerable’ as: capable of being physically or emotionally wounded; or open to attack or damage. The definition itself is scary and probably makes most of us NOT want to be vulnerable because honestly, why would we want to open ourselves up to that type of pain? Why would we want to subject ourselves to added scrutiny, added judgment, added personal attacks? Easily said, we don’t.

But, sometimes being vulnerable is what allows us to grow as an individual. It allows us to see what we can become, allows us to develop and move past any self insecurities that we may have about ourselves. Now I’m not saying it’s easy by any means, but by being courageous enough to be vulnerable we allow ourselves to try new things, think about things differently, grow stronger in ways we never thought possible.

I had a conversation with a dear, dear friend of mine a little while ago and she is the one who mentioned being courageous enough to be vulnerable. She was going through a tough time and found herself struggling with something that highlighted her own personal vulnerability. The amazing thing, though, was as we spoke about what she was going through, it helped her to realize that her situation wasn’t something specific to only her…it wasn’t something to be afraid of or ashamed of, because it was something I too had gone through and so had others that we both know. But had she not shared with me her vulnerability she would never have known that I could help her and together we could help each other. Love you my friend!

If you think you’re the only one going through something difficult – depression, heartache, physical pain, work drama, family drama- please know that you aren’t. Be courageous enough to share your vulnerability with someone who is close to you because I guarantee that you’re NOT the only one going through it. By sharing your story, by being strong enough to share your pain, you’ll not only help yourself but you’ll most likely help someone else who is going through something similar.

Being courageous enough to be vulnerable may sound like a scary thing. But when you break it down, when you simplify the emotions that you are dealing with – sadness, jealousy, anger – you are more able to overcome and grow from the situation. You are allowing yourself to develop, to blossom, to grow. It won’t be easy and there will be many scars along the way, but in the end, it will make you a better version of yourself. You just have to be willing to take that first step. So, are you willing to be courageous enough to be vulnerable?