Embracing vulnerability as a source of strength

Self-analysis after listening to a TED Talk on the power of vulnerability by Brené Brown made the author change to restore her peace of mind and self-esteem.

Life is a blend of both bright and dark sides. I often find myself entangled in a complex web of emotions as a woman. On one hand, there are moments of pure joy, love, and pride. But on the other, there are feelings of hurt, anger, jealousy, and betrayal. It’s as if I’m constantly balancing on a tightrope, trying to manage the highs and lows of life. I’ve realized that I’ve been conditioned to hold on to negative emotions more deeply than positive ones.
Recently, I stumbled upon a TED Talk by Brené Brown, titled ‘The Power of Vulnerability’. At first, I was skeptical. Vulnerability as a source of strength? How could that be? Aren’t we always taught to be strong, to hold it all together, and to never show our weaknesses? But as I listened to her words, something clicked within me. Brené spoke about embracing our imperfections and understanding that feeling deeply — both the good and the bad — is what makes us truly alive.
I started reflecting on my own life. I am a mother, a wife, and a working professional. Every day, I wear so many hats and play so many roles. At work, I try my best to prove myself in a competitive environment. At home, I strive to meet everyone’s expectations, often sacrificing my own needs. And yet, a single critical remark from a relative or being overlooked at work can shatter my confidence. The hurt lingers, festers, and slowly seeps into every part of my life, like a dark cloud that refuses to go away.
At a family gathering some months ago, everyone was laughing, chatting, and catching up. In the middle of this, one of my relatives casually said, “Oh, you have been given everything on a platter! No wonder you have time to travel, write, and explore so many things, right?” Her words cut through me like a knife. I felt my face flush with embarrassment, and my heart sank.
For days, even weeks, I replayed that moment in my mind. I felt humiliated, misunderstood, and undervalued. The anger simmered inside me, and I found myself snapping at my children or pulling away from my husband. The hurt became a part of me, shaping my interactions and overshadowing the joy in my life.

In her TED talk, ‘The Power of Vulnerability,’ Brené Brown, an American professor and podcast host, discusses embracing our imperfections and understanding that feeling deeply—both the good and the bad—is what makes us truly alive.

Suddenly, I asked myself, why do I hold onto these negative emotions so tightly? Maybe it’s because I fear that being vulnerable makes me weak. Maybe it’s because I’ve been taught to hide my pain, to never let others see the cracks. But Brené Brown’s words kept echoing in my mind. She said that vulnerability is not a weakness; it’s a form of strength.
What if, instead of burying my pain, I chose to face it head-on? What if I allowed myself to feel the hurt, acknowledge it, and then let it go? This is what embracing vulnerability looks like. It’s about having the courage to confront your emotions and speak your truth, even when it feels uncomfortable.
Think about it. Had I the courage to tell my relative how her comment made me feel, I might have cleared the air. I might have stood up for myself and, in the process, reclaimed my peace of mind. But instead, I chose to remain silent, letting the hurt fester.
This incident was eye-opening, and I felt the need to change myself—for my peace and self-esteem.
It took a while to realize the importance of acknowledging emotions. It’s okay to feel hurt, angry, or betrayed. Instead of suppressing these feelings or pretending they don’t exist, I now take a moment to sit with them. I started writing down my feelings in a journal, pouring my heart onto the pages. This simple act of acknowledgment was my first step toward letting go.
I realized that I needed to be kinder to myself. In a culture where women are often expected to put others before themselves, self-compassion can feel like a radical act. But it’s crucial. I began to understand that feeling deeply is part of being human. I started giving myself to heal at my own pace.
When I felt hurt, I often spiralled into negative self-talk: “I’m not good enough,” “I’m not worthy,” “I deserve this.” But then, I began to challenge these thoughts. I would ask myself, “Is this really true?” I reminded myself that others’ opinions do not define my worth.
There is a big difference between forgiveness and forgetting. I learned that by forgiving, I wasn’t letting others off the hook but setting myself free. Free from the hold the hurt had on me.
How beautiful it becomes when you build a support system around you! What magic it can unveil! I found comfort in sharing my experiences with close friends who understood my journey. Knowing that I wasn’t alone, that others had faced similar struggles and had come out stronger, gave me hope.
I know that letting go of negative emotions is not an overnight process. It’s a journey that requires patience, kindness, and a lot of self-love. But when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we open ourselves up to the fullness of life. We allow ourselves to experience deep joy, love, and connection.
For anyone reading this, know that you have the strength to let go of the hurt, anger, jealousy, and betrayal. Let go of the clutter in your mind and make space for new, beautiful experiences. Life is too precious to be spent in the shadows of what has been. By taking small, meaningful steps every day, you can transform your relationship with your emotions. Vulnerability is your greatest strength, and it’s time to embrace it.

Visuals courtesy: Pixabay and Screengrab from YouTube video.