Hey Guys and welcome to yet another weekly 5-day Challenge – number 33 – being vulnerable!
This week we are going to be vulnerable – respecting ourselves to the degree that we dare to show our true selves and show compassion and empathy. Loving and get loved. It’s scary, yet we have so much to gain from it.
Now this is a quite big topic, and it could actually be divided into many smaller challenges, but I want to introduce you to the concept on more general level, so hopefully I’ve compromised well. Ideally you will get inspired to read Brené Browns books on the topic – the researcher that has inspired this challenge.
So last week I listened to the second audiobook by Brown – Rising Strong – which is focused on how to rise from those moments when we feel shame, hurt or just confused. Often making up the worst kind of story that the world is conspiring against us. But this challenge will focus in more on her first book; understanding vulnerability and shame & and the practical applications related to that.
WHAT we can do become more vulnerable and WHY should we? First, the meaning of vulnerability in Brown’s own words:
“I define vulnerability as uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure. With that definition in mind, let’s think about love. Waking up every day and loving someone who may or may not love us back, whose safety we can’t ensure, who may stay in our lives or may leave without a moment’s notice, who may be loyal to the day they die or betray us tomorrow—that’s vulnerability.”
“Vulnerability is not weakness, and the uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure we face every day are not optional. Our only choice is a question of engagement. Our willingness to own and engage with our vulnerability determines the depth of our courage and the clarity of our purpose; the level to which we protect ourselves from being vulnerable is a measure of our fear and disconnection.”
― Brené Brown, Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead
I’m not going to go much deeper into this, in this text. However, there are some great TEDtalks by Brown, which i included some of the most important parts of in my video: https://youtu.be/OdzLJBZQuyM . Also, I do recommend you to read/ listen to booth these books as they can fundamentally change you as a person.
If you already feel motivated enough; this week is going to be about showing up as our true selves, putting our thoughts, ideas and creations out there. Dare to be seen, dare step out to uncertainty naked for all people to see us, even though anything can happen. Acting like we should have done if shame, fear, pride or perfectionism didn’t hold us back.
Being vulnerable – The Objectives:
- Daring to speak your mind! For instance, if you’re having a discussion at the lunch table; say what you really think and don’t just sit silent or agree with the others because it’s convenient. Speak your mind – be true to yourself – risk putting yourself in a situation where you can be questioned or even laughed at! Because it’s the right thing to do.
- Don’t numb your emotions, allow yourself to feel what you’re feeling – & share your emotions. Express your true feelings to the people you care for; if you love someone – tell them that, if you think someone is caring and loving – tell them that, put it out there!
These are the main task of the week, but if you feel hungry for more you can also practice:
- Being creative – dance, play, create some music, make art, draw a picture, post a Instagram picture, do some knitting – basically any kind of creative expression that let your inner child out!
- Being rejected – go flirt with some people, putting ourselves in a vulnerable position with a rather high risk of being shot down. Realising that everybody can’t like everybody, it’s good insightful to realize that you survive getting turned down.
- Asking for help – to reach out and ask someone for could be really scary, not only because we can get a no, but many of us live in this imagination world where we can manage do everything on our own (I’m one of those persons).
- Practice gratitude daily – for instance, start every morning with writing down five things your grateful for (didn’t include this in the first video, but I’ll be talking more about this in the week vlog)
Remember, whatever happens – you are enough – always love yourself unconditionally.
Good luck with the 5-day challenge, and don’t forget to commit to me in the comments – it will dramatically increase the chances of you actually doing it!
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Posting schedule:
SUNDAYS: New Weekly Personal Development Challenge
WEEK DAYS: Depending on the challenge, but at least one Video/Vlog at the Wednesdays
FRIDAY: Evaluation of Week Challenge
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/With Love, Alexander
