It gives us and allows us to feel the emotions and experiences that we really crave: love, belonging and joy. I know it’s happening when I feel the need to strike first before I’m struck.īrene Brown says that vulnerability is the source of hope and authenticity.So awkward and scary, but it makes me human and alive.Taking the first step toward what you fear the most.Going out on a limb-a very, very high limb.Scary and exciting terrifying and hopeful.Halfway a tightrope, and moving forward and going back are just as scary.It’s taking off the mask and hoping the real me isn’t too disappointing.How Does Vulnerability FeelĪnd these were some of the answers to the question of “how does it feel being vulnerable”: When you do, you are daring greatly and you are being vulnerable. Indeed, she says, emotional exposure is not an option, it will happen anyway.

Standing up for myself and for friends under criticismĪs you can see and as Brene points out herself, these are all ordinary and common events which are part of our daily life.

Presenting my product to the world and getting no response.

Exercising in public when I’m out of shape.

Getting pregnant after three miscarriages.

Helping my wife with cancer prepare her will.

To help you define vulnerability in practical terms, here’s how Brene’s research subjects described it:

It’s the courage of being open despite knowing it might hurt us.Īnd once we are able to do that, we will also be able to fully experience all the joyful moments of our lives. Vulnerability is the courage of putting ourselves out there. What’s Vulnerabilityīrene Brown says that the more we protect ourselves from vulnerability, the more we grow fearful and disconnected.īeing vulnerable then means the opposite: engaging fully and openly with the world around us.

“Your willingness to own and engage your vulnerability determines the depth of your courage”įor your benefit of understanding, Brene Brown uses “arena” as in “life”, and “being in the arena” as “living life fully with an open heart”.Have the courage of showing up and engaging even if could hurt.Internalize that you are a worthy (of being loved) and enough the way you are.Vulnerability makes you authentic and allows you to feel love, belonging, and joy.Chapter 5: Closing the Disengagement Divide.Chapter 3: Understanding and Combating Shame.Chapter 2: Debunking the Vulnerability Myths.Chapter 1: Scarcity, Our Culture of “Never Enough”.

Dare to lead brene brown pdf