Vulnerability is the key to authenticity and connection from "summary" of Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, and authenticity. When we are willing to show up and be seen with no guarantee of outcome, we are truly being vulnerable. It is not about winning or losing, but about showing up and being seen. Being vulnerable means having the courage to be imperfect, to be willing to let go of who we think we should be in order to be who we are.
Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we're supposed to be and embracing who we are. It is about cultivating the courage to be imperfect and to set boundaries, to allow ourselves to be vulnerable, and to show up and be seen. Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It's about the choice to show up and be real, the choice to be honest, and the choice to let our true selves be seen.
Connection is why we are here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives. The ability to feel connected is why we are here. In order for connection to happen, we have to allow ourselves to be seen, to be vulnerable. We have to believe that we are enough. Our sense of worthiness can only be fostered when we believe that we are worthy of love and belonging.
Vulnerability is not weakness; it is our most accurate measure of courage. We are all wired for connection, and it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives. Vulnerability is the path to connection and the essence of human experience. When we shut ourselves off from vulnerability, we distance ourselves from the experiences that bring purpose and meaning to our lives.
To let ourselves be seen, deeply seen, vulnerably seen; to love with our whole hearts, even though there's no guarantee - that is to practice courage. To be vulnerable is to show up and be seen, to be honest and authentic. It is the willingness to take risks and be emotionally exposed. Vulnerability is essential for true connection and authenticity.
