So often we look at vulnerability as being a fault. If someone expresses fear, depression, cries or gets emotional they are considered weak. We need to reverse this stigma. You need to give yourself the permission to be vulnerable. And this shouldn’t just be in your bedroom when no one else is looking.

I have consistently seen more people show their vulnerability during the pandemic. Many times this is them posting that they have been laid off from their companies. This is very hard for something to share with their networks. At times it’s hard for people to even share with their families.

What I’ve seen increasingly is people openly sharing deeply hard this currently is for them. That they have broken down and spent days crying. That they don’t know what to do. That they’re having trouble making the ends meet. And other similar statements.

This is the definition of being truly vulnerable and it is absolutely okay. You know what typically happens you express how vulnerable you are to your broader community? They embrace you and they want to help you. They help show you that it’s okay. They’ve been there at some point in their life previously. They will provide help and someone to talk to.

Beyond being vulnerable about finding a new job, since my surgeries I have found myself quick to become emotional while watching TV or listening to a song even if it’s just welling up. I believe that this is due to how close I felt to losing my life, both from my seizures and, especially, as a result of my brain surgery. It’s not that I didn’t trust my brain surgeon who works for the #3 hospital in the country for neurology but it’s still the scariest experience I’ve ever been in.

Each of us have reasons to be vulnerable and it is important to realize that it’s okay. You don’t need to hide it. You and your community will be better for it.