Why Vulnerability Is Good For You

Presenting the perfect life on social media or just to our friends is a hard habit to break, but revealing the real you can be the key to a happier life.

- Jane Druker

VULNERABILITY – the state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed – can be painful, especially in this competitive world of social media and ‘Insta’ perfection. But it can also be a strength. Here’s how to maximise that power...

1 Showing it is liberating

Vulnerability is misunderstood: rather than being a weakness, instead, it’s a sign of resilience. It’s the ability to face the truth and expose your soul. It’s self-honesty in action – the kind that keeps you from complacency, propels you forward and enables you to grow.

“True belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world,” claims well-being practitioner Louise Greidinger. Be brave enough to say “I need help” when you’re buckling. Close friends will rally round. The network is there, you just need to access it. Vulnerability empowers and liberates, creating a ripple effect that encourages others to do the same.

DO IT Have a conversation with yourself. Get familiar with checking in with your feelings regularly. Once this becomes a habit, it’s easier to identify and vocalise anything that doesn’t feel quite right. It’s in these moments that we figure out who we are and which of our needs aren’t being met.