Power of Vulnerability

Happy Valentine’s Day!

I woke up feeling sad and a bit lonely this morning. Funny how that feeling shifted so quickly when I decided to reach out to family and friends. It was a powerful reminder of the impact of sharing a vulnerable part of yourself with the people you love.

Even writing that last sentence makes me feel uncomfortable—vulnerable. My immediate thought:

"Was I a burden on them?"

But that’s precisely why vulnerability is powerful. It exposes us to potential criticism, mockery, and rejection. Yet, at the same time, it opens the door to care, love, and connection. You cannot have one without the other.

When I reflect on my own experiences, I realize how rare it is for me to perceive others as burdens when they open up to me. On the contrary, I feel honored that they trust me enough to share such an authentic part of themselves. So let’s change this narrative.

By choosing to be vulnerable and showing up as our most authentic selves, we create space for others to do the same. It’s a risk—but a risk worth taking for a better future.

Culture is shaped by individuals who collectively agree on behaviors that align with their identities. If that identity embraces vulnerability, trust, and authenticity, then society will eventually reflect those values.

This transformation isn’t immediate. It takes time, and it requires like-minded people to come together in community over generations. But eventually, it can become the norm.

I may not live to see the full emergence of such a culture, but I live in hope for that future. As Cornel West so beautifully said:

"Justice is what love looks like in public, just like tenderness is what love feels like in private."

On this Valentine’s Day, I choose to imagine a world where love is expressed openly—a world where that is the norm.