Have you ever experienced a situation where you shared your feelings and emotions, positive or negative, and been rejected or made to feel silly? It’s hard to put yourself in a vulnerable position again, you definitely think twice!
We live in a society where sayings like, “asking for help is a sign of weakness”, “don’t let them see you cry”, and “if you show your emotions, you won’t be respected” are still all too common. We still live in a very left-brain dominated society. However, we have two sides to our brain that make us up as a whole.
Your left brain controls things and keeps things in order. It is very methodical about how it processes information and how it “allows” you to show up in the world. The right brain is intuitive and emotional. It’s the part of you that processes your feelings and emotions. And often, it is shut down.
Today, let’s celebrate our feelings and our ability as humans to experience them! Why do we pretend that being a “robot” is how we want to go through life? I vividly recall a situation during a transition I went through in my old corporate job. I was being transferred to a different organization and really struggling with the whole process. The advice I received? Never show emotion or they will perceive you as weak and you will have no respect! I carried that story with me until the very last day in the office.
Reflecting on that advice, I realize how sad and small that world is. We are human, we have been given the gift of feelings and emotions! Why do we have to hide them? And in the process, hide who we really are?
As I have mentioned before, our feelings and emotions do not define us as a person. Therefore, showing happiness, joy or sadness and pain does not define us as weak or unprofessional. Yet we continue to allow that perception to perpetuate by giving into the fear of being vulnerable.
Your challenge today? Open up your heart and allow some emotion where you normally wouldn’t. How does it make you feel? I bet it will be a cross between vulnerable and like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders! Give yourself the chance to be you, all of you!
