Episode #25: Vulnerability: The Road to Courage, Self-Compassion and Self-Worth

Vulnerability: The Road to Courage, Self-Compassion and Self-Worth In today's podcast, I wanted to dissect the concept of Vulnerability. Brene Brown, reknowned researcher on Vulnerability defines Vulnerability as "Uncertainty, Risk and Emotional Exposure" I find this somewhat ironic, as Uncertainty, Risk and Emotional Exposure are the worst nightmare of someone who experiences anxiety, OCD, an eating disorder (such as Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa), trauma, grief or depression. I think many humans struggle with these concepts, but I feel that it is significantly difficult for those who struggle with these mental health disorders.   In many cases, there is a complete rejection of vulnerability.  I believe we think that if we avoid vulnerability, we  can rid ourselves of shame, embarrassment, being judged, feeling sad or hurt.    However, all we end up doing is numbing.  When we have anxiety, we think that if we avoid vulnerability, we could rid ourselves of possible bad or catastrophic  outcomes.  However, all we end up doing is becoming compulsive.  In this podcast, I detail the workings of those who are successful at being vulnerable and take a look at the outcomes that result.  We will outlines ways that you can practice vulnerability in large or small steps.  We look at the repurcussions of staying safe and avoiding vulernability and we detail the research's findings about self-worth and conectivity.  I hope you enjoy it!  This is one of my favorite subjects.  Forward we go! Kimberley Photo by Nathan Anderson on Unsplash