Weakness and vulnerability: two words we are so terrified to admit. What are we so afraid of? Do these terms intertwine?

There's much confusion on vulnerability. We are conditioned to think it automatically makes us fragile. Our skewed understanding has us protect our emotions and sensitivities from being hurt. That's why so many of us close ourselves off from opportunity and remain in our comfort zones. We'd rather conceal our pain, than experience it endlessly.

We build walls around our hearts and mind in fear of rejection and failure. Unfortunately, it is this barrier that stops us from a fulfilling life.

How do we expect to grow, when we're pushing away from reality?

Life is random. It throws situations at us that makes our vulnerabilities nearly impossible to refrain from. Although, when we choose to close off our emotions, change becomes unattainable.

There is no growth in comfort. Think about it. Name one entrepreneur, or innovator, who fled through life without being susceptible to pain. That's right, no one. It's their vulnerability that helped accomplish their goals. It's the key to innovation and creativity.

Being vulnerable doesn't mean you are broken. It means the mere opposite. Do you think Steve Jobs could have left a crucial impact on the world without the risk and devotion he made to Apple Inc? Imagine the emotions and ideas fueling through his body as a teenager. It would have been easier to wait for someone else to build a technological empire, as he chose to live an average life and grow up. Had he let fear get in the way, the computer, phone, music, and animated film industry may have never been what it is today.

In terms of relationships, grab hold of what makes you nervous, and open yourself up to another. Let them have the opportunity to know the real you, and not an image of what you want to be. Quit fearing what they learn about you, and embrace the person they come to know and love. It is our uncertainty, fear, imperfection, and desire that propels us to grow.

You see. Vulnerability is not a sign of weakness. It is our strength of character. We should never be ashamed of it. Instead, we should expose it.