Does vulnerability make you weak, or is it your biggest strength that will ultimately set you free?
When I started to become vulnerable, by taking off the armour and putting the shield down. I started showing the world who I truly was. I used my dark past as inspiration for others, because once you stop hiding and start expressing your authentic self - which includes the shadow parts - you become truly free.
Being vulnerable has also allowed me to attract the people I want in my life. It allows for deeper connections with people which creates richer relationships. I'm allergic to shallow small talk, as this never goes anywhere! :p
Despite what you've been told, vulnerability does NOT equal weakness. It is in fact, your biggest strength. Hiding away from your shadows and not talking about your feelings because of fear does NOT represent strength. This is what we get taught, right? That letting people in is a sign of weakness. This is particularly true for men. You get labelled as a pussy by insecure guys that are too afraid to face their own shit, so they they project their insecurities about themselves unto others.
Running away from your shadow parts and not being vulnerable will eat you up inside. Being ashamed of who you are or what you've done in the past is the one of the most destructive things you can do to your self worth.
The truth is, we have every single human trait in existance. Every single one of us are mean, kind, cruel, charming, funny, loving, etc. We are ALL those things. It's about which part of yourself you choose to act on a daily basis. The only reason we let ourselves get pissed off from others calling us something we don't like, is because we disown that part of ourselves. Give yourself persmision to own ALL aspects of yourself, which includes the negatives.
Use those harsh experiences as wise lessons for others to learn from. Use your dark past to inspire others to move forward in their life. You have no idea how POWERFUL being vulnerable can be to others. It can LITERALLY save lives and make this world a better place.
It's time to let go of the past and turn those negative experience into positive ones.
I used to be ashamed and guilty of all the bad shit I've done in the past. I used to steal, fight, lie, cheat, and hurt the ones closest to me. As horrible as those acts can be, it is something that needed to happen for my own personal growth and to help others. There's no point in dwelling in the past, as there's no point in fixating on something you cannot change. It's only going to amplify the problem and make it 10 times worse.
Just let go.
Let go become vulnerable.
Show the world who you truly are. It takes a lot of strength to do this, but man oh man is this feeling liberating.
Only people who have true courage has the guts to take off the armour and show the world who they truly are. Don't be afraid and use "weakness" as an excuse to not let others in.
Be brave.
Be strong.
You got this.