I hate it.

I keep asking myself.

Why do I keep telling people?

Why can’t I just be vulnerable?

I guess I’m afraid the same as everyone else if I take off the mask.

The real me will be too disappointing.

I should just show people what they want to see.

But does it help when we hide who we’re and how we feel?

I yearn for connections, to feel, and to be vulnerable.

But what else can I do?

Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity.

It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity.

If I want greater clarity in my purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.

Vulnerability is not a Weakness

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

The word vulnerability is derived from the Latin word vulnerare, meaning “to wound.”

The definition includes “capable of being wounded” and “open to attack or damage.”

Merriam-Webster defines weakness as the inability to withstand an attack or wounding.

Weakness often originates from a lack of vulnerability—when I don’t acknowledge how and where I’m tender; I’m more at risk of being hurt.

Invulnerability cost more

From the field of social psychology, influence-and-persuasion researchers, who look at how people are affected by advertising and marketing, conducted a series of studies on vulnerability.

They found that the participants who thought they were not susceptible or vulnerable to deceptive advertising were, in fact, the most vulnerable.

The researchers’ explanation for this phenomenon says it all: “Far from being an effective shield, the illusion of invulnerability undermines the very response that would have supplied genuine protection.”

Vulnerability is the last thing I want you to see in me, but the first thing I look for in you. If that’s the case.

Why is it so damn hard to be vulnerable?