Isn’t it funny.
We seek, appreciate and often adore vulnerability in others. We love them for their honesty and willingness to trust us with the deep and imperfect parts of their souls.
In that same breath, we despise any display of our own personal “weaknesses” and exposure of vulnerability. What we love in others is the same thing we hate about ourselves.
“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.”
Think how often we’ve shrunk back into our shells because of the fear that someone will find out that we aren’t: good enough, smart enough, rich enough, pretty enough, skinny enough, successful enough. You know the list. It’s our human nature to hide the bitter facts because we may be rejected or unloved.
Today’s message is simple for everyone who took the time to read this.
Be Brave!
Reader’s Challenge: What about being vulnerable scares you the most? What are you most afraid of letting other people see? Share in the comments below and enjoy being in the company of the supportive, kind, funny and fantastic people who read this blog. It’s a “come as you are” party and all kinds of kinds are welcome.
Reader’s Xtreme Option: Be vulnerable with the person/people you love the most and feel the magic happen.
Not quite ready to dip your toe in those cold seas? Drop me a private e-mail at: mt_rd@hotmail.com. I’d be happy to share on your behalf without naming names.
Remember…..
Need some inspiration? Read some more of Brene’ Brown here.
Michelle R. Terry 
Be brave. 😉 you KNOW I’m down with that. It is my 2014 theme word after all.
Love love love the first pic of staring your fear down. Awesome.
And the Pooh quote is perfect.
Hugs!
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Hi Christy!
I DO know that you are down with brave for 2014. Recognize this?
>From Running on Sober
Your words inspire me to brave on a daily basis. Thanks for stopping by. I’m sure you’ve heard the song “Brave” by Sara Bareilles. It is YOUR anthem! XO, Michelle
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Link to your article: http://runningonsober.com/2014/01/06/on-bravery-death-and-why-mary-oliver-will-save-my-life/
I’m not fancy enough to do the “linky” thing in the comments while a passenger across the flatlands of CO/KS using a little wifi jetpack 🙂
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I love this! It is a perfection thing for me. I know it is irrational, but there is it. Having kids helps let go of that. 😉
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Hello!
Always so great to hear from you, dear friend.
You just hit the nail on the head for me. I try to let go of being perfect all of the time (even though I’m far from perfect in the first place).
Thanks for reminding us all that letting go of perfection is brave and one of the best things you can do for yourself and your family!
Additional reading if you are interested, “Gifts of Imperfection” by Brene’ Brown. It’s funny and well-written AND she has an online art class that accompanies the book…which I started TODAY!!
> Date: Mon, 13 Jan 2014 19:54:48 +0000 > To: mt_rd@hotmail.com >
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