Unmasking Vulnerability

Kyetu Catalyst. A spark to ignite change!
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“You’re just trying to start a fight”, he shouted at me. And then I started to feel angry. Because, I WASN’T trying to start a fight. I just wanted to share how I was feeling. But, I could see he wasn’t in any mood to hear me. And I had no energy to stand my ground. Instead, I just became a rock. I shut down, and I kept it in. Because he wouldn't understand. He never did. And anytime I ever told him how I was feeling, it always went sideways. It ended in judgment. In something said, that couldn’t be unsaid. It just always seemed to escalate so quickly.

Can any of you relate to this?

I'm willing to bet that many of you have been in a similar situation. Times when you've wanted to express your true feelings but held back because you feared the consequences. Maybe you've experienced moments when vulnerability felt like a minefield, and you didn't want to step on a bomb. Sound familiar?

But, we can’t bottle it in. We can’t become rocks. We have to learn to be with our feelings, then release them in a functional manner. And the key to doing this is in vulnerability.

Let's start with a fundamental question: What is vulnerability, and why does it matter? Vulnerability is the act of opening up and sharing your authentic self, even when it feels uncomfortable or risky. It's about dropping the mask, putting down your guard, and exposing your true feelings and thoughts to others. In essence, it's the gateway to genuine human connection.

So, why does vulnerability matter? Well, it's the cornerstone of healthy relationships, personal growth, and emotional well-being. When you're vulnerable, you allow yourself to be seen, heard, and understood. It's the path to building trust, empathy, and deeper connections with the people in your life.

But let's not sugarcoat it; being vulnerable isn't always easy. It can make you feel exposed, and there's a fear of rejection, or judgment. It's as if you're handing someone the key to your emotional inner world and hoping they won't use it against you. And when the person in front of you is throwing proverbial rocks at you? Well, then it’s even MORE challenging!

Researcher Brené Brown, in her groundbreaking work on vulnerability, highlights that being vulnerable is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. She found that those who embrace vulnerability lead more fulfilling lives and have stronger, more meaningful connections with others.

It’s an effort well worth making. When you're vulnerable, you invite reciprocity. When you open up to someone, they're more likely to do the same. It creates a safe space for both parties to share their feelings and experiences without fear.

For today’s Kyetu Catalyst, grab your journal and think about the following. Have you ever experienced the transformative power of vulnerability, where sharing your true self led to a deeper connection with someone? It could be a friend, a partner, or even a family member. Vulnerability isn't limited to just sharing negative emotions; it's also about expressing your joy, love, and gratitude openly. Can you write about this for 3-minutes, in your journal? Just write the first thing that comes to your mind.

Can you think about little ways that you can practice vulnerability in your everyday life moving forward? For example, the next time a friend asks you how you’re doing; maybe the answer isn’t a short, “I’m fine”. Maybe, it’s something like, “Thank you for asking. I’m actually struggling today, but I know I will work through it. And I believe I will be stronger for it.”

Thanks for joining us for today’s episode of the Kyetu Catalyst. Please share our podcast with family, friends, and in your social networks. You just might be someone else’s spark to ignite change!

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