Vulnerability is a superpower. It's at the core of resilience.

"Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren't always comfortable, but they're never weakness." Brene Brown.

As a child I loved Wonder Woman, and for a long time, I thought being that strong woman meant being tough, never breaking down, and pushing through no matter what. Especially in the workplace, it seemed the done thing was to be strong, to show no weakness.

How humbling it was to learn through the hardest experience of my life, my breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, that true strength comes from something else: vulnerability.

What can seem counter intuitive is that it takes courage to be vulnerable. Pretending we're ok deludes us just as much as it deludes others. We may ask:

• What if I'm not accepted as the flawed human that I am? 

• What if I ask for help and it's not there?

• What if I'm seen as weak?

This is all our inner saboteur talking, and doesn't serve us well.

It can isolate us further at times when we most need the support of others.

What's amazing is that when we show our vulnerability it can build incredible connection - both with others and with ourselves. We're being honest about who we really are, without judgement. 

As an example, when I started sharing my story — through opening up to friends, writing my breast cancer blog, speaking publicly at cancer events — it helped me to heal. The more vulnerable I became, the more support I received. It was incredible how sharing my toughest times encouraged others to share their stories. And goodness, how powerful and strengthening that connection is.  

Vulnerability builds connection. It allows others to understand our pain and for us to realise that we don’t have to carry our burdens alone.

To quote Brene Brown again:“Staying vulnerable is a risk we have to take if we want to experience connection"

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How You Can Embrace Vulnerability to Build Your Resilience Superpower

If you're going through a tough time, vulnerability might feel scary. But it’s essential for healing. Here are a few steps you can take:

1. Share Your Story

   Open up to someone you trust. You don't have to be 'fine' all the time. By sharing, you allow others to support you. And your story may help them too. 

2. Ask for Help

   Asking for help is not a sign of failure—it's an act of strength. Let those around you know how they can support you. At work, this may be talking to your manager or colleagues for support with workload or time off. It may be seeking support from charities or helplines (I have called helplines and attended workshops - all invaluable). 

3. Allow Yourself to Feel

   Give yourself permission to feel the full range of your emotions. Anger, sadness, regret, frustration, joy, disbelief, denial, relief. They are myriad and often confusing. Acknowledge and name them as part of your healing process.

4. Join a Community

   Whether it’s a support group or an online space, find others who have walked a similar path. Knowing you're not alone can make all the difference. It's so empowering to see others who have been where you are now. There is hope. 

5. Redefine Strength

   Remember, strength doesn’t mean never breaking down — it means having the resilience tools to get yourself back up again. 

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Action Step For You

Take a moment to reflect: What’s one small step you can take toward being more open with your feelings? Whether it’s confiding in someone or journaling, start by being honest with yourself. Your vulnerability super power is there, just waiting to be nurtured.