The Power of Vulnerability

Brené Brown is a social scientist and storyteller who uncovered a life-altering treasure in her research on connection. This fundamentally changed how she now loves, lives, and works. Her big “ah ha” was that what set wholehearted people apart was that they fully embraced their vulnerability and imperfection. In short, they had the courage to connect despite their “not enoughness.”

We live in a vulnerable world. A world in which there are no guarantees of being enough. We hate to feel vulnerable and out of control. To deal with it, we try to numb the feeling (medicate), become perfect, or pretend. None of these things work.

Here is the paradox: the more we allow ourselves to be seen (to be vulnerable), the more connected we feel. James and I (Claire) have experienced this many times, with each other, with our friends, and with others. Vulnerability is actually the birthplace of belonging.