The Importance of Vulnerability
“Physically Distant, but not socially distant” and phrases similar to this, have been said throughout the many months we have been in the pandemic.
In these times where it is almost impossible to hang out with friends, go out for coffee study dates, and spend time with family, it can be quite difficult to express our emotions, our thoughts, and feelings to others.
Even before the pandemic some may have struggled to express their feelings to close friends. Sometimes people think that being vulnerable is something negative and that it will burden others. People may feel that vulnerability is the core of fear, shame, grief, and disappointment. However, as Brené Brown says, it is the birthplace of every positive emotion we have in our lives like love, belonging, joy, and empathy. Connection is a big part of vulnerability and we should not let the shame we are feeling determine the extent of the connection that we can have with people.
As you are reading this you might have thought, “okay, these are the opinions of one person” or, “this does not apply to me.” However, I have compiled some thoughts from other university students on their views of vulnerability that, I think, highlight the importance of reaching out to a trusted person.
“I think that vulnerability is important with certain people because it allows you to process your feelings in different ways.”
“Because I think humans crave to be deeply and fully known. You can’t know you are fully loved until you know you’re fully known.”
“By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, the generous Father in heaven.”
“Vulnerability allows up to open up about how we feel and in turn helps us feel less alone or isolated. Sometimes we just need to be heard and other times we need advice or support/accountability.”
“I think vulnerability allows for a kind of intimacy that can create a deeper bond and better understanding of one another.”
I know that these moments are very hard for everyone and I want to thank you so much for reading this post. I encourage you to reach out to a trusted person to have conversations about how you have been feeling in this season. In case you do not feel comfortable opening up to someone you already know, I have included some resources that are available for students and young adults in Calgary and surrounding communities if they are in need of support.
Counselling Services at Ambrose
Peer Health Educators at Ambrose
Togetherall.ca An online peer-to- peer support community that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Kid’s Help Phone It is available for young people in Canada between the ages of 5 and 25 years old.
Check out our blog post on How to Be There for others when they are being vulnerable with you