The Hermit + Zebra Spirit
We have a lot of work to do, friends. A lot of internal shifting and rewriting; a lot of unlearning of old ways, and learning of news ways; a lot of getting real. And we can no longer delay this fact. It is not the most comfortable of work, let me assure you of that, but it is necessary and needed to move ahead in these uncertain and wild times. It is work that requires you to dig deep and look truthfully at your own reflection; it is work that requires you to get vulnerable with yourself, to see your strengths and your flaws for what they truly are.
Too often, we shy away from vulnerability because it feels uncomfortable, and we would do anything to avoid sitting in discomfort. But great change will only occur if you dare and push yourself to be truly vulnerable. If you put yourself out on the limb, be fully seen, and do something with what you have.
Social worker, researcher, and storyteller, Brene Brown would remind us that, “the definition of vulnerability is uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure. But vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our most accurate measure of courage”. Vulnerability creates space for us, individually and collectively. And it is this space where greatness can take place; this space where true change can occur; this space where growth and development and the real, shifting magic are born.
We can only get to this space, however, if we take a chance to get real and vulnerable with ourselves. If we look within and come face to face with who we are, our whole selves: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Failure to look in the mirror and face all of this is not true vulnerability, it is only avoidance and self-deception. So as we enter this month, know that it is time to dig deep for yourself. It is time to face all the light, all the dark, and all the shades in between. It is time to get honest with yourself, who you are, and what you want for yourself and this world in which we live.
Brene Brown would also remind us that, “When we walk away from vulnerability, we leave behind what gives purpose and meaning to living”. In this time when so much is shifting; in this time when there is such dire need for change, what would you see for yourself and your future?
What is it that gives you truth, and meaning, and purpose? The time has come to face hard truths, to stand boldly and take a chance, to risk without knowing the outcome and to grow and change and create something bigger and better. For yourself, but also for us all.
