How Being Vulnerable Sets You Free

I belong to quite a few Facebook groups.  Each has a different focus. And yet, there is a common element: sharing knowledge.  Occasionally, someone will be fearless, and describe a challenge they are experiencing.  Ask for help.  People love to give suggestions and opinions when that happens.  One thing I've noticed, though.  The opinion- and advice-givers rarely ask for advice themselves. They want to appear confident and in control.  As one poster put it recently, "I don't do vulnerable." 

I'd like to invite that poster, and anyone else who's unwilling to be vulnerable, to step outside their comfort zone. Being vulnerable sets you free.  Here's how:

Being vulnerable connects you with your tribe

You're not alone!  Admitting where you need support will create connection. You will discover others who are facing the same challenges. There's strength in numbers, and any sense of isolation you've had will decrease.  

Being vulnerable helps you to discover Fearbusters 

Looking for a support buddy, wise council, voice of experience or powerful partner?  They're out there!  And if they don't know you're looking, they most likely won't find you.  Speaking up will help the universe to support you by drawing Fearbusters in your direction. 

Being vulnerable is a proactive behavior

Closing yourself off to others is a fear response. The Wheel of Fear spins itself tighter and tighter, and the more unwilling you are to be vulnerable, the more you become enmeshed in fear.  Vulnerability heightens your awareness.  It helps you to realize where you've been holding back, and where you'd like to make changes.

Being vulnerable increases your confidence to take risks

Does vulnerability feel like a stretch, risk, or die to you? With practice, stretches move into your comfort zone, risks become stretches, dies become risks, and a whole new die zone appears.  Your confidence builds.  Slowly at first, as you test the waters with stretches, and then exponentially as you realize your capabilities. 

Being vulnerable gets you unstuck

Stepping out of your comfort zone moves you forward.   You recognize that you are capable of more.  With that recognition comes willingness.  You see possibilities in other areas of your life.  You become more willing to move forward in those areas as well.  And, before you know it, stuck turns into movement forward. 

Thus, being vulnerable sets you free. To expand your tribe.  To find Fearbusters.  To be proactive. To take risks. To get off your Wheel of Fear and move onto Your Wheel of Freedom. To get unstuck.  Powerful, huh?

Question: What is one area where you are willing to take the risk of becoming vulnerable?