I hate being vulnerable. It feels icky and uncomfortable to me.

Being vulnerable means susceptible to physical or emotional attack or harm. Synonyms for vulnerable are: helpless, defenseless, powerless, impotent, weak, susceptible. Who wants to feel that way? I certainly don’t.

I’m the friend that listens to other people’s problems and helps them through tough times. But I keep my feelings to myself. I don’t want to seem weak, different or needy. I shouldn’t bother other people with my negative thoughts or feelings. Whatever I’m going through is on me.

That’s how I used to feel. And I’m still working on not feeling that way. Just recently I’ve started learning how important it is to be vulnerable. By being more vulnerable with friends and even sharing more on this blog I’ve discovered that it can actually feel good to be vulnerable.

And being vulnerable doesn’t always mean it’s about something big like telling everyone your big, deep, dark secrets and feelings. Being vulnerable can mean taking a picture and posting it on social media, wearing a new outfit that’s out of your comfort zone, being honest and saying no when you always say yes, or trying a new activity. These things may seem small, but when you’re an over-thinker with anxiety like myself doing these things can be difficult. Whenever you do or say something that’s out of your comfort zone and other people are involved, it can leave you feeling very vulnerable.

Recently, I’ve realized that when you put yourself out there, it’s never as bad as it seems. Usually the outcome is better than I expected. When I allow myself to be vulnerable in front of someone, it has allowed us to relate even more or has actually made me feel more comfortable. The more I allow myself to be more open and authentic, it actually helps me build my confidence because I’m not so worried about what others think any more. It allows me to feel more comfortable in my own skin.

Vulnerability can even be the key to your success. Being vulnerable allows you to take risks, share ideas and try new things. People like people that are more genuine and vulnerability shows a different side of you. Vulnerability is human. Being vulnerable will actually take you to more places and open up more opportunities for you than sitting back and being quiet. If you have something to share, share it or if you need to talk to someone, talk to someone. When you shut down out of fear of being vulnerable you close yourself off to people that can relate to you, help you and inspire you. When you’re afraid to be vulnerable, you live in a state of fear. Living in fear keeps you stuck.

So you have to ask yourself, do you want to risk being vulnerable and maybe embarrass yourself, but have a chance to grow? Or do you want to keep hiding out of fear and remain where you are?

Also, as I started writing this blog post, Sara Bareilles’ ‘Brave’ started playing:

But I wonder what would happen if you

Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave

How perfect! And if you haven’t seen the music video, you should totally watch it now, it will make your day.

Being vulnerable is being brave. What is it that you want to say or do that you’ve been too scared to do? Has your unwillingness to be vulnerable held you back? Let me know in the comments, I would love to hear from you!

Be you. Be*YOU*tiful.