Turning Vulnerability into Strength: A University Perspective

What comes to mind when you think about vulnerability? For many of us, being vulnerable might evoke feelings of dread, uncertainty, or embarrassment. We may have been instructed to avoid appearing vulnerable (especially men in our society). It might be frightening to be vulnerable since it opens one up to being rejected or failing. As a result, we might make every effort to avoid being exposed. Although being open to vulnerability is frequently seen as an indication of weakness, it is a crucial aspect of the human experience.

Meaningful human experiences have vulnerability in their very heart,  in the centre.

On the one hand, vulnerability might be frightening, but on the other, it can also be liberating and strong. A study on this subject matter revealed that those who felt good about themselves: 

  • Had the guts to share the tale of who they were, with all of their flaws. 
  • Have natural compassion for themselves before they show it to others. 
  • Having deep connections with others because they are authentic and not what they believe they should be.
  • Accept and celebrate their vulnerability since it is part of what makes them wonderful.

We can take extra precautions to protect ourselves from vulnerability by denying that there are issues, adopting strategies like perfectionism or “being stronger,” developing unhealthy habits like substance abuse, or fabricating moral tenets to hide behind. One challenge of vulnerability is that we are unable to selectively numb emotions. When we numb sadness, joy, and happiness, we also numb fear, terror, and disappointment. This is a fundamental problem with vulnerability.

Truth be told, vulnerability is a strength rather than a weakness.

Embracing vulnerability has several advantages, some of which are as follows:

  • Being vulnerable enables us to be our true selves as opposed to striving to impress others.
  • We develop empathy by being vulnerable. We can lower our barriers, making it simpler to comprehend and express our emotions while also inspiring others to do the same. As a result, we develop a greater capacity for compassion, forgiving people, and showing love to them. 
  • We can more easily process our feelings when we are honest and vulnerable (rather than pushing them away). Good mental and emotional health is fostered by the vulnerability.
  • Another indication of courage is vulnerability. When we accept ourselves and what we truly are, we grow braver and more resilient.
  • Last but not least, exposing our vulnerability to others might help us build stronger bonds and partnerships. Finding people who will accept us for who we are in our truest forms is helpful.

Life will always include some level of vulnerability. We should accept it rather than try to resist it, knowing that doing so will ultimately make our lives more fulfilling. Consider this. It takes vulnerability to tell someone you love them. It might be scary and vulnerable to try anything new. Sharing a challenging moment or struggle with someone makes you vulnerable and uneasy. While we may first wish to avoid doing any of these things, doing them can be very rewarding. The ability to embrace vulnerability will ultimately enable us to lead genuinely fulfilling lives.

At ATAFOM University International, we embrace our vulnerabilities and show them by honouring our word, following through with our commitments, and being consistent with our approach to managing, coaching and communicating. We respect and support each other’s opinions, ideas and points of view. We are constantly mindful of the law of reciprocity. We accept vulnerability because at its core lies a wealth of power. We offer you a rare experience at ATAFOM University International. Your true persona, innate compassion and willingness to establish international networks are vulnerabilities we are willing and ready to help you with.

ATAFOM UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL – YOUR BETTER FUTURE IS HERE!

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