The Power of Vulnerability
February 3, 2011 § 1 Comment
I’ve found that philanthropic work is difficult. Not because of the trips, or the beginning-of-a-project-exhaustion of working for free, and busting your butt to make money on the side (though these things are difficult). It’s the people. It’s the cultural boundaries, the miscommunication, the stepping out of your comfort zone and continuing to work with those who, at times, understand you the least.
I love Brown’s idea of living from a sense of worthiness – if I could put the purpose of Nakate, and what I’ve been hoping to do for a group of women in Africa into a brilliant video, it would be this. If I could put the purpose of my own current soul journey into a video, it would be this.
I particularly love when she points out the idea that, “in order for connection to happen, we have to allow ourselves to be seen – to really be seen.” And when she reminds us that, “vulnerability is the birthplace of creativity, of longing, of love…turns out, we can’t have compassion with other people if we don’t treat ourselves kindly.”
I am, again, aware that it is our job to communicate to those who have not heard it before (and those who have forgotten) that – “You’re imperfect, and you’re wired for struggle, but you are worthy of belonging, and you are worthy of love.” I’m again aware that this is what we must be working to communicate to ourselves.
Yes! I love this Brené Brown TED talk. The first time I watched it it moved me so much that I emailed it to a few of my closest girlfriends. Take risks. Be vulnerable. xx!