So I’m working on a “homework” assignment from my counselor, and she asked me to watch two Ted Talks from Brene Brown. The first one is called “The Power of Vulnerability”, so here are my thoughts on it!
What Brene says about vulnerability and its power over shame makes sense. Those who do not feel shame are willing to be vulnerable, and find it necessary. Not comfortable nor super painful, but simply necessary. They have the compassion and love for themselves to be able to do so, and thus, can connect with other people in a more fulfilling manner. It makes perfect logical sense. I just don’t know how to put it into practice. I’m terrified of being hurt, again. I don’t ever want to feel the pain of a breakup, loss of a loved one, or anything like that. But I know that also means I’m missing out on the incredible happiness those connections can bring. It’s something to chew on, and work on my own self-acceptance so I won’t feel so ashamed to be vulnerable with others.
The second video is called “Listening to Shame”, and here are my thoughts on that video:
This one is a little difficult for me to form thoughts about. I suppose that’s because shame has been such a prevalent factor in my life, and I probably don’t even recognize it most of the time. In some aspects of my life, I have no problems being vulnerable and putting myself out there (the first thing that pops to mind is my job). But in other aspects, I’m terrified and sometimes can’t even force myself to open that proverbial door. I’m terrified of being judged, and I suppose that’s because I’m ashamed of my past, my history, how I handled things, etc. And because those parts feel so pivotal to WHO I am, that leads to the shame of myself. I feel like I’m a boring person, and that people will judge me for that and not want anything to do with me. Shame is an insidious beast. I will have to work on understanding why I feel so ashamed for those things - then that will help open the door to vulnerability, and thus connection.
~Stephanie~
Loading comments...