Tbh, I hate being vulnerable. Nothing screams “danger ahead” like exposing my true thoughts and feelings. And that might sound a little counterintuitive coming from a person who has written three poetry books featuring some of my ugliest stories, traumas, and fears. But if there’s anything I’ve learned in the last three years that I’ve been publishing my poetry, is that there is power, healing, and connection in being vulnerable and sharing your story.
How Sharing Your Story Can Help You Heal and Connect with Others
So if being vulnerable is so scary, why do we do it? Why should you share your stories? Here are five reasons sharing your stories can help others heal and create connection:
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Sharing your story can show others that they are not alone: By sharing stories about our struggles and challenges, you can help others who are going through similar experiences feel less isolated and more understood, even if you can offer nothing more than a “I’ve been there too.” Nothing makes me happier than seeing a dm or a review that says, “this book/post made me feel seen.”
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Sharing your story can help break cycles of abuse: sharing our stories with others lets people know they are not alone and can help to break cycles of abuse by exposing patterns, tactics, and systems that allow abuse to continue. There’s a little, “If she got out, maybe I can too” moment. Sharing your stories also helps to reduce the shame and stigma surrounding abuse, which can empower victims and survivors to get additional help.
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Sharing your story can cultivate empathy and understanding: your stories can help cultivate empathy and understanding between people with different backgrounds and experiences. This helps us gain a deeper appreciation and awareness for others as we move through life.
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Sharing your story can promote personal growth and healing: Sharing stories can be a powerful way to process and make meaning of our experiences. By reflecting on our stories and sharing them with others, we can gain new insights, learn from our mistakes, and promote personal growth and healing.
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Sharing your story can inspire others to live life to the fullest and embrace their hopes and dreams: Being vulnerable isn’t just about sharing everything that is wrong about your life. Share your little wins; maybe you started therapy. Maybe you had the courage to bring up something that was bothering you. Maybe you finally feel like yourself again after a breakup. Share your hopes and dreams for the future, as well as the fears and uncertainties that come with them. There is power in sharing your happiness and healing too.
While vulnerability makes me a little sick sometimes, there is power in sharing your story. Sharing our stories helps to build community, promote personal growth and healing, cultivate empathy, and inspire others to not just be alive, but to live.
