Vulnurable

Vulnerability...

a. Susceptible to physical or emotional injury.

b. Susceptible to attack: "We are vulnerable both by water and land, without either fleet or army" (Alexander Hamilton).

c. Open to censure or criticism; assailable.

2.

a. Liable to succumb, as to persuasion or temptation.

b. Games In a position to receive greater penalties or bonuses in a hand of bridge. In a rubber, used of the pair of players who score 100 points toward game.

(definition by the free dictionary by farlax)

By definition this doesn't seem like the most appealing thing to do and yet it is the key to the connection with one another. It is the necessary tool in our kit to share whole heartedly.

There are times being vulnerable is easy. Times where all we want to do is share with another. I'm willing to bet in this case the other person was being vulnerable as well. It's a lot more challenging when the other party isn't open. "Why should I share with them?" you might ask.

Remember when we were little and we were told "sharing is caring"? When we allow ourselves to open up to others it gives others the opportunity to be open and it starts a trickle effect. I was once told by a life coach that there are no secrets. We are all connected whether we like it or not and if you are able to really be with a person all is known. Maybe that's why we avoid so very often really "being" with one another. We tend to talk about the weather instead.

Through my experience sharing is the most powerful tool we have because when we share we learn from each other, help each other and most of all know that we are not alone.

Now time for me to be vulnerable... Writing this blog is a challenge for me. Not because of the commitment it takes to write and post each week but the sheer vulnerability it takes to share with all of you. It's the fear of looking bad and the fear of others using my vulnerability against me and the fear that others know too much about me. Of course I am the creator of this blog and I can post whatever I choose. However, I know that the key to connect with all of you is to write honestly and from my heart. Of course this isn't just in my blog it's in my life. I hate being vulnerable even though I know the power of it. It's a continuous practice and requires one step forward at a time.

A lot of people may argue that my job as a performer requires me to be vulnerable as I get up on the stage every night to sing. To a degree they are correct. I continuously put myself and my talent on the judging panel. You'd be surprised at how easy it is to hide behind the character on stage. Singing my own songs though is another story.This is a practice that takes courage but being vulnerable with the people in my life takes even more courage.

I encourage you to take this step with me and allow yourself to open up to those around you. Sometimes that may be sharing with someone or asking for help, admitting that your wrong or even apologizing.

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