Vulnerability and living with an open heart (and setting boundaries along the way) by samanthalynn

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writing · @samanthalynn ·
$8.28
Vulnerability and living with an open heart (and setting boundaries along the way)
I like to do feedback exercises with those close to me periodically (simply for self-awareness) and without fail, when I ask people about my strengths, the list always includes vulnerability, authenticity, or transparency.

**It continues to surprise me when I am reminded that vulnerability isn't a natural way of being for most people.** I'm pretty sure I've been vulnerable and transparent since I was a child. In fact, before really tapping into my awareness, I was unaware that sometimes I would _overshare_ or trust blindly.

![T1HAenC.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmTZdeNRybu1iVhAMvtukSu22M23Qd6ZqDNKGabj6wSqep/T1HAenC.jpg)

# There is an important distinction to be aware of between _empowered vulnerability_ and _attention-seeking victimhood._

The first requires self-awareness and setting boundaries, the latter usually includes a need for attention from an outside source and blind trust.

_A good way to check in with yourself is by asking the following questions:_

- What is my intention behind sharing this moment of vulnerability?
- Am I attached to the idea of receiving  a certain response by sharing?
- Do I feel empowered and safe, or disempowered and fearful?
- Am I still worried about what others might think?
- Do I have boundaries in place?

All in all, vulnerability can be a powerful practice when we are mindful of our intentions and setting boundaries.

xo,
Samantha Lynn
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vote details (36)
@luckyfellow · 
Interesting. Good post.
👍  
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@samanthalynn · 
Thank you! Appreciate you reading.
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@kenny-crane ·
$0.54
You're at the right place for authenticity and transparency.  Writing on Steemit is on the blockchain forever and can't be censored.  I'm glad to see you posting, I think you will enjoy it here and be here for a long time!

This is an interesting topic!  It has me thinking about vulnerability and boundaries.  I think of those things as opposites.  If you are vulnerable, it is because your boundaries are breached, and if you have boundaries then you're not vulnerable.  But I can definitely see where having some of each puts you in a good middle position.  If you're not at all vulnerable then you're not really authentic and living in the moment fully.  If you have no boundaries then you might be taken advantage of.

Just my random thoughts inspired by this great article!  Maybe in a future article you can speak about examples from your experience, where you were empowered by vulnerability yet kept your boundaries established.  I always find specific examples helpful when trying to understand concepts, but that's just me!  Thanks for this and I look forward to more from you!
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@samanthalynn ·
$0.12
Thank you for such a thoughtful comment! You bring up great points. Perhaps another word for vulnerability would be transparency. I definitely don't advocate for having your boundaries encroached and/or being taken advantage of.  I will try using some tangible examples in my next post like this. Thank you!
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@symbiotic ·
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*"... Maybe in a future article you can speak about examples from your experience, where you were empowered by vulnerability yet kept your boundaries established. I always find specific examples helpful when trying to understand concepts, but that's just me!"*
I completely agree @kenny-crane.  @samanthalynn made some intriguing, and thought-provoking statements, and I, too would enjoy seeing a few examples.
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@thatmemeguy · 
Being vulnerable is the best way of being strong . Sounds counter-intuitive and that's because it is. 
Its just like the character from Game Of Throne Tyrion Lannister said :
>  Wear it like an armor and it can never be used to hurt you. 
>Tyrion Lannister
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@samanthalynn · 
Exactly. Once I am open about who I am, no one can use it against me. And if they try, those aren't the people I want in my life.
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@symbiotic · 
Beautifully said, @samanthalynn.  Upvoted/Following/Resteemed :)
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@samanthalynn · 
Thank you! I appreciate your support! Following back :)
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