15 July 2013
Showing Our Cracks Can Be Beautiful (Tree in Inverness, Scotland - 2008)
I have a sort of LOVE/hate relationship with vulnerability. It has been my friend disguised as a nemesis for quite some time now. I used to think it was a form of weakness but now I see how far from the truth that is. Being vulnerable is SO HARD, therefore a huge sign of strength...
I started thinking about this last Wednesday morning. I've been working very hard at allowing myself to be more vulnerable these days. I mostly see it as a relationship issue but it seems to creep up on me in other areas of my life as well.
I've been exploring speaking my heart and mind a lot more lately and it's the fear preceding the words that is the scariest thing of all. Yeah, of course we might get a gutting reaction...but bravery and good things all involve some amount of risk, right?
But what about vulnerability in business? Showing the human side of yourself, including your fears? Is that to be done?
While reading a wonderful article by my friend Andrea (of The Creative Dream Incubator) last Wednesday morning, I posted a comment about my fears regarding marketing myself and wanting to create a foundation and trust between me, my readers and (hopefully) future clients. I'm on the road to entrepreneurship with my health coaching and dreams of a holistic retreat-type business so I will have to put myself out there, but I cringe at marketing my stuff. I've been suffering with the idea surrounding my art for AGES.
I had my moment of terror when I posted a heartfelt comment about my fear of putting my work and services out there, in case I might "bother people," and unbeknownst to me it was a Facebook comment and went right up on my FB wall. That's what you get when you sleepily read articles on your iPad in bed, first thing in the morning. I went off to get some tea and came back to my new status...
Talk about vulnerable!
I immediately deleted it for fear of seeming "sleazy," but when I think about it rationally I know and hope that my friends understand I am anything but.
I pride myself in my loyalty and care. These are things I will bring to my business whenever I am ready to begin it all. Trust and love are the two most important things in my life...oh yes, and laughter too.
So that's me bringing a bit more vulnerability on here.
XO