The Power of Vulnerability: 4 Ways to Practice Vulnerability Daily
Vulnerability is something many people struggle with. Making yourself susceptible to emotional harm sounds scary for many people, and is the reason they’d rather stay closed off. It’s a form of personal protection and is a safety net.
But being vulnerable doesn’t have to be scary. Doctors have found that the benefits of vulnerability outweigh the negatives, and it can actually make you more successful.
The benefits of vulnerability
1. Vulnerability makes you emotionally stronger.
“The more vulnerable you allow yourself to be, the more powerful you will feel,” says Karen Anderson, a certified life coach.
When you learn to be vulnerable, you are more willing to put yourself out there in different ways. You’ll find yourself taking more risks and having fewer regrets.
When you avoid vulnerability, you keep your negative emotions to yourself. This encourages these emotions to grow and prevents them from being processed.
Vulnerability makes you feel supported and allows you to work through certain unpleasant emotions. You also develop coping strategies to overcome similar emotions in the future.
Vulnerability also allows you to be more self-aware and take responsibility for your actions. It is hard for most people to admit they’ve done something wrong, but it’s something we all need to learn to do.
2. Vulnerability takes your relationships to the next level.
People can tell when someone is closed off. When you’re in tune with your emotions and not afraid to express them, you create strong bonds and connections with the people around you.
It also allows the people in your life to feel more comfortable with their vulnerability. They will feel like talking to you is a safe space and that you can be trusted.
Having stronger connections improves your mental and physical health, reduces stress, increases your life expectancy, and your self-esteem.
How to practice vulnerability
1. Express your needs
When someone in your life does something to upset you, or even make you happy, express that. Showing all types of reactions and emotions removes the stigma around vulnerability and that you only have to express yourself when you’re feeling down.
Everyone has needs, and being vocal about them will help you be completely vulnerable about other emotions you may have.
2. Find someone you can trust.
Finding a person you can trust, even if it’s just one person, is the key to being vulnerable.
I struggled with vulnerability until I found that one person I knew didn’t hold judgement, hate, jealousy, and disregard for my feelings. It can be hard to find that person, but once you find them, it’ll feel like you have a weight lifted off your shoulders.
3. Express your opinions.
Your opinion matters. Being honest about your point of view and expressing yourself will allow you to feel more satisfied with conversations and connections with people.
Sometimes being honest about your opinion is hard, but you can start small. Give your opinion about clothing, makeup, or music. Don’t forget to also provide a safe space for the people you trust to do the same in return. Giving and receiving honest feedback will help overcome any fears you have about vulnerability.
4. Get to know yourself
Before you can be honest with the people in your life, you need to be honest with yourself.
Doing things that get you thinking and ease stress levels can help you become more in tune with your emotions. Going for walks, listening to podcasts, and meditation are all things that can help you understand yourself and your emotions better.
Vulnerability is a sign of strength, yet many people struggle with it. Using the steps listed above, you’ll be an emotionally stronger person and not afraid of expressing yourself.
Photo by Ali Kircchinbauer on Unsplash
Tiffany DaSilva is the founder of flowjo.co and lover of all things self care, chihuahuas and cross stitch. You can read her posts about how she handles the day to day using mindfulness and self care here on Pitter Patter! Flowjo's lifestyle blog.
