Vulnerability. A single word that can strike fear into the hearts of many. In present times in our society, there is a desperate need for vulnerability while there is also a clear dread of it. The world seems to at time mistake vulnerability for weakness, when it can really be your greatest strength.

So why does this word cause so much distress? Why is there so much horror over being vulnerabile?

When it comes to the rest of the world, to be truthful I’m not so sure why there is such an abhorrent fear. But one thing that I can do is tell you why I am afraid of being vulnerable with others.

In this world we all have connections with others, these are connections are called relationships. And whether these relationships are platonic or romantic, to make these connections hold there must be vulnerability. This is where the problem seems to start for me, and for you it might be the same also.

When I am being vulnerable with others, this is when I start to share my thoughts, memories and feelings. Sharing memories and aspects of my life is precious to me, so when I’m doing this it is like I am giving a piece of my heart away. Then that when the fear starts to set in, how about if this relationship doesn’t work out, and that person still has a piece of my heart. What then? What am I supposed to do now?

To be truthful I still haven’t figured it all out, I’m still growing and learning. But I do know one thing. That being vulnerable with others is not done in vain. We shouldn’t be afraid to show love and compassion towards others. To be able to share our memories with a friend or a significant other. This is where we find our real strength, and there may be times where we get out hearts broken. But don’t be mistaken it means that you took the courage to show others your heart and it shouldn’t ever be regarded as a weakness.

Research professor and scholar, Brene` Brown, says it best “vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they are never weakness”. Now that sounds like the truth to me.