“The Beauty (and Terror) of Being Seen: Baby Steps Toward Vulnerability”

“Vulnerability is the only authentic state.” That line hit me in the gut the moment I read it. Not because I didn’t already know it, but because I felt it. And if you’re anything like me, the idea of being cracked open in front of others… well, it can feel both magnetic and terrifying.

Let’s be real: being vulnerable isn’t just about crying in front of someone or spilling your deepest fears. It’s about showing up honestly. It’s about saying, “Here I am, mess and magic.” And that’s no small thing.

Why It’s So Damn Hard

We’re taught early on to put on masks. To be the “strong one,” the “funny one,” the “quiet one,” or the “put-together one.” Vulnerability threatens all those roles because it asks us to be real and real doesn’t always look polished. Real might be insecure. Real might be hopeful. Real might be… contradictory.

And let’s not forget the fear:

Fear of rejection.

Fear of being misunderstood.

Fear of being too much or not enough.

But the truth is, the longer we keep our walls up, the more disconnected we feel, not just from others, but from ourselves. The goodness, the connection, the genuine relationships we crave? They live on the other side of that wall.

The Baby Steps

So how do we get there without feeling like we’re diving off a cliff emotionally? Here’s what I’ve been practicing, and maybe one or two of these will meet you where you’re at:

1.

Start with safe people.

Don’t try being radically open with people who haven’t earned your trust. Vulnerability isn’t about oversharing, it’s about sharing intentionally with people who can hold it. Think of someone who has consistently shown you kindness and presence. Start there.

2.

Name your feelings, even if only to yourself.

Sometimes the first step is just getting honest with yourself. “I’m overwhelmed.” “I’m scared this won’t work.” “I’m craving connection.” Naming it is the beginning of owning it—and eventually, sharing it.

3.

Let someone in, just a little.

Instead of the full download of everything going on, try saying:

“I’ve been carrying a lot lately. Not sure how to talk about it yet, but I just wanted to say that.”

That tiny crack of honesty? It’s an invitation for connection.

4.

Celebrate the moments you do it.

Even if it feels awkward. Even if you cry and your voice shakes. Even if you get a little too real in a text and instantly regret it. Celebrate it. Because you were brave enough to show up as yourself.

5.

Ask yourself: “What’s the worst that could happen-and what’s the best?”

Often, the best-case scenario is way more likely than we think: you’ll be met with understanding, love, or even just silence that feels safe. That’s worth the risk.

I’m learning that being seen, truly seen, isn’t just something we want; it’s something we need. It’s how we feel alive. It’s how we attract the right people, the right situations, the right goodness, like Russell says.

So here’s to the quiet moments of courage. The baby steps. The shaky voices. The honest texts.

Here’s to choosing connection over perfection.

Because even if it feels hard, especially when it feels hard, there’s beauty waiting for us on the other side.

🖤

Sherri