Weak. Exposed. Fragile. Powerless. 

These are all synonyms for vulnerable. How come every time we think of vulnerability we think of weakness or a lack of power? Being vulnerable shows that we have the strength to reveal our true selves and emotions to the world. So why is that considered as a weakness?

Embracing vulnerability can allow a person to be authentic, not only to other people, but also to themselves. Avoiding certain situations that causes you to be vulnerable will not allow you to grow and improve. Especially in today’s society, failure can cause vulnerability. Failure discourages a person from striving to perform their best and creates bottled-up emotions. Although it may be difficult, accepting the failures in life and viewing them as opportunities to grow can improve the way one deals with vulnerability. 

Vulnerability is also having the willingness to venture out to unknown and uncomfortable situations. It’s what makes humans strong and have perseverance. How are we going to grow if we are stuck in the same spot for the rest of our lives? Living in today’s society, being vulnerable shows lack of strength and causes instability in life. We strive to conform to society’s expectations-becoming someone we’re not. As adolescents, we are expected to tackle a variety of tasks without struggle. Oftentimes, this burden of responsibility creates the stress that causes one to be vulnerable. Allowing ourselves to face the world and be seen shows that we are courageous and capable of overcoming any obstacles.  

Correspondingly, avoiding vulnerability and disregarding its necessity can lead to shame. Being vulnerable allows you to be fully authentic to yourself and realize the reasons that cause you to have shame. Having the strength to let yourselves be seen rather than hiding encourages you to take on the unknown in the world.

But why should we be ashamed of ourselves? Of vulnerability? There is no one else like you. There is no one in this entire world who has been in your shoes and been through all the experiences you’ve been through. There is no one in this world who had a Spongebob phase, who broke your arm from trying to climb the slide at the playground, who watched your goldfish die from overfeeding them, the same way you had. There is no one in this world who lives the exact same life you are living right now. All your different experiences is what makes you, you, and that’s something you should be PROUD of, for making it this far in life.

As humans, we were only created to live. To exist. And what comes along with the package of life is all these weird emotions. The only way to get the full deal is to be open to being vulnerable. Reaching out to others to create strong relationships and having empathy for those around us allows us to be vulnerable without being ashamed of ourselves. So go out there and take on the world, with the power of vulnerability by your side.