The word vulnerable, as defined by the Encarta dictionary, means without adequate protection. The word and its meaning implies negativity. But this article is written to challenge your thoughts about vulnerability and to motivate you to embrace a bit of it in your life.
Do you think I’m crazy? Okay, maybe a little bit but if you go through every moment of your life protected and tough, you’re going to miss out on something; you might intimidate or even scare someone or something off.
Remember when you were a young adult going into the world when you had the energy and mindset that said, “Look out world here I come!” In those early years you were a bit immature; you would fight over anything, you thought you could take on anything and because you were feeling your independence, you were tough (at least you thought you were, nothing could take you down).
As you grew older, most likely, you started to wise up and maybe soften a bit. You learned to pick your battles and hopefully you learned when to take down the shield. Yes, if you're not aware of this, there are appropriate times to take down your shield.
Through this growth process you learned how to be cautious but, at the same time, be more open. It is a fine line to walk.
Being tough or having thick skin can close one down. To be open to life, you have to be a bit vulnerable.
This means learning to be present, facing your emotions and accepting the reality of everyday life instead of trying to immediately force a fix. When you slow down, soften and look at life’s turmoil searching for its lesson, your vulnerability serves as a teaching tool.
Think about your approach and your exterior as you move through life, it really does make a difference!
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