5 Ways That Vulnerability Actually Makes You Strong

What do you picture when you think of the word strength? Maybe you see a castle, fortified with high walls. Or maybe a bodybuilder hoisting a huge weight over their head. For most of us, our definition of strength is all about things that are tough, armored, and protected.

I always thought of myself as a weak person. I cry at everything, I’m quick to apologize, and I open my heart freely. But I’m not actually weak – I just allow myself to be vulnerable. Being vulnerable means showing your true self and emotions to the world. It can be terrifying – but it’s also liberating. We’re taught that wearing armor makes us strong. But sometimes the most powerful thing a person can do is take off that armor and let themselves be vulnerable.

In celebration of vulnerability, I’ve decided to share some benefits that come with opening your inner self up to yourself and others. Read on for 5 reasons your vulnerability is what makes you strong.

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1. Your vulnerability helps you build stronger relationships.

Building walls around your heart definitely keeps you safe. Being guarded keeps out pain and hurt – but it can also keep out joy and genuine human connection.

When you are vulnerable with another person, you build trust in your relationship. The best and most fulfilling relationships you’ll ever have are those built on mutual trust and vulnerability. Not only does vulnerability make you strong, it also strengthens the bonds you share with those around you.

2. Being vulnerable with others helps you learn to accept yourself.

It seems like masks are a hot topic these days – but some of us have been wearing a “mask” long before we had ever heard of COVID-19. It can be impossible to accept who you really are when you present such a different face to the world around you.

Hiding parts of yourself sends a powerful message to your psyche – I am not good enough. These emotions, quirks, or experiences that you are hiding are too shameful to show to the outside world. Practicing vulnerability means showing these “bad” parts of yourself to the people around you – and realizing they aren’t so bad after all.

3. Your vulnerability inspires others to open up as well.

Have you ever had a conversation where the other person opened up to you? No matter how closed off you might have felt before, you suddenly felt inspired to share as well. Their vulnerability empowered you both to share a part of yourselves that might have stayed hidden.

When you show vulnerability to others, you enable them to do the same. By practicing vulnerability we make the whole world a more open and accepting place.

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4. Being open about your emotions helps you increase your emotional intelligence and wellbeing.

Refusing our natural desire to be vulnerable is one of the many ways humans bottle up our emotions. If you continue to push down and suffocate who your inner self, your bottle will eventually pop.

Accepting your thoughts, feelings, and inner self can be one crucial way you express and deal with your emotions. Doing this will make you a happier, more fulfilled, and emotionally balanced person.

5. Showing your vulnerability to others will get you the support you need.

Sometimes, the people who need help the most are the ones who stay the quietest about it. They struggle in silence, plastering a smile on their face while they are hurting inside. But at the end of the day… What will you gain by hiding your pain?

So often we are encouraged to be strong and tough. But when you need support from your friends, coworkers, or family, it’s not the time to put on a brave face. Being vulnerable and open about your emotions when you are struggling will help you get the support and love you so desperately need.

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Do you think vulnerability makes you strong? Let me know in the comments below!

I am so tired of hiding what I’m feeling! Come with me on this journey to find vulnerability and freedom from fear and shame. Your new open life can start today if you let it!