Vulnerabilities on display

Living authentically is ridiculously easy and terribly difficult. It is so very easy because when we’re truly living and acting from a place of authenticity, life flows naturally and feels effortless. Yet the prospect of authenticity can be frightening and difficult because we don’t have any pretenses to hide behind. All the flaws and vulnerabilities are on display for the world to see.

Those imperfections, though, make us loveable and funny. They give us character, personality and individuality. They make us approachable and interesting. Those imperfections that we are naturally inclined to cover up are actually part of what creates true beauty.

And the vulnerabilities? They’re nothing to be ashamed of either. Think about it. We admire people who are strong, and yet we don’t really trust people who appear to be perfect. Even Superman, after all, has to steer clear of kryptonite. Our heroes are strong not in the absence of flaws, but in spite of them.

Visualize your favorite film star, and you’ll see someone who willingly puts his or her vulnerabilities on display, and then proceeds to positively inspire you by rising above them.

That’s real life, and that’s what makes life so good. The next time you’re tempted to hold back, choose instead to let go. And feel how free and easy and right it feels to be real, warts and vulnerabilities and all.