Lessons in Feeling Alive ✨

Fifteen years ago I was introduced to the wise Brene Brown and loved her theories around vulnerability, connection and belonging. It was many years later that I understood somewhat better that vulnerability is not what it appears to be on the surface - being a wide open book to anyone and everyone all of the time. It is more so the feeling of being completely exposed. Brene describes it as feeling like you are standing naked in front of an audience of 1000s of people while they examine you up and down. 

In the past month I had a situation arise that urged me to take some vulnerable action. It scared the crap out of me. I gave into my compulsion. Shared my honest thoughts, asking for what I wanted without having any idea of how it was going to be received. I felt naked. I felt exposed. More exposed than I have possibly ever felt in my life. It was thrilling, scary, exhilarating and joyous. Every nerve in my body was standing on edge and has been since. This act of vulnerability made me feel totally and completely alive! A beautifully intense feeling I have not felt in a very long time.

The most surprising result of being so vulnerable in my life is that this act of courage has caused a significant ripple effect in the world around me. I have had some very raw, real and sometimes difficult conversations with others that have expanded our love and connection, and others have been inspired and taken their own actions to be more brave and vulnerable. It is incredible to see how one small act of courage can spread aliveness to the world around you.

What I have come to realize in my mid-life as a woman is that we all crave being exposed. Being exposed with our emotions, exposed with our thoughts and, dare I say, exposed with our bodies😊. Being truly seen. “I’m not scared to be seen. I make no apologies. This is me!” - Greatest Showman. This act of exposure is directly related to vulnerability, connection and love. Looking back I can see that I have lived a lot of my life being closed, ashamed and scared, but there is a new clarity in me now.  What I now know for sure is that if we don’t take that chance, take that risk, expose ourselves, we risk not ever feeling alive…..how important is feeling alive to you??? 

#vulnerability #feelingalive #courage #aliveness #emboldened #connection #love