Strength & Vulnerability

Vulnerability:  (noun): the quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.

I've recently come to the realization that it takes strength to be vulnerable. In putting yourself out there you have to accept that you are susceptible to things not working out. You have to step out into the unknown knowing that your weaknesses will be shown. It takes strength to step out in courage fully aware of the reality that stepping out makes us exposed.

What holds us back? Fear. It can seem like fear and love are opposites, that if our love is big enough it triumphs over fear. I've also recently realized that fear and love are deeply intertwined. If you love someone, you fear for them being hurt or losing them. If you don't care about something, you don't worry about it. When I search my heart, it's apparent that the main reason I fear is because I love.

Vulnerability. Fear. Strength. Love. I'm finding they are all so connected... and all such a crucial part of the human spirit. Of growth, of grief, of relationship. And this is the place we live, floating between our reservations of what could happen if we do step out, and the fact that we love too much to not step out.

It's worth it.