Do you make the conscience decision to be vulnerable?

Conscious vulnerability is a vulnerability we choose to lean into. When we get serious about taking a personal, professional, or social risk, we open ourselves up to being hurt (laughed at, ridiculed, teased, or embarrassed). Think about public speaking, engaging in athletic competition, acting, singing, playing a musical instrument, or sharing a piece of writing or art. Even acting in front of friends in the social game charades can elicit feelings of vulnerability.

Embarrassment and helplessness are the feelings most often identified with vulnerability. On an even more intimate level, allowing yourself to share important elements of your personal history requires conscious vulnerability. Expressing disappointment, sadness, anger, or even expressing sentiments of caring and love are all ways to experiment with being consciously and deliberately vulnerable.

I believe that we are at our greatest emotional strength when we make the choice to be vulnerable.

Did you know that it is easier to keep taking risks to pursue what you want when you have the sense you can handle the 8 difficult feelings?

Conscious vulnerability is choosing to be vulnerable. Choosing vulnerability means you can tolerate the other seven feelings. That is what it takes. Why? Because these are the feelings that most commonly result when things don’t turn out the way you want. And if you can handle the other seven feelings, then you can handle being vulnerable, whether at a conscious or non-conscious level.

This weeks questions:

In the age of easy access to news and information, we are frequently aware of challenging events happening around the world. This week, I want you to ask yourself:

– Through out your week and your interactions with others, how are you choosing to vulnerable?

I’d love for you to respond on my facebook group!

Join my group on Facebook LOVE MY LIFE and let me know. I’ll post the question and jump on myself to chat and answer questions.

To A Life You Love,

Dr. Joan Rosenberg