Spirit

The Healing Power of Vulnerability

Admitting weakness is hard for me.

I prefer to share how the personal development practices I’ve learned help me lead a more joyful, peaceful, and meaningful life. But being open about my recent struggles in my last post brought relief. The act of sharing honestly, of being vulnerable, eased some of the weight I’d been carrying. And rather than judgement, I received a flood of support, understanding, prayers, and encouragement from so many of you. I was very touched and felt carried.

My family is settling in to the new normal of life without a loved one. My lingering physical illness is mostly gone. I’ve checked some big things off my to do list in advance of my books being released. The author part of my identity has shrunk into a healthier balance.

This experience reinforced a lesson I’ve learned again and again—being appropriately vulnerable with others about my struggles brings healing. Not only do I personally benefit from the love and support, but the people around me feel less alone in their own pain. 

So when the hard times come, drop your guard. Be honest. Let people in. Share your struggles. Embrace vulnerability. If you do, you’ll feel the weight begin to ease, and you’ll take another step toward Becoming Yourself.

Matt McMann

Matt McMann writes books for children and the personal development blog Becoming Yourself (becomingyourself.net).

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