Risk Vulnerability
Two weeks ago I told you about my three step gratitude practice: Notice, Appreciate, Share. Some of us have a hard time with that third step: sharing our gratitude with others. That step is all about vulnerability and it reminds me of this quote by Brené Brown: “Vulnerability is about showing up and being seen”. When I heard the quote I immediately thought about those dreams many of us have when we arrive to a public place and we’ve forgotten to put on our pants or maybe we are completely naked. Showing up and being seen brings up a fear for me of being exposed. When I am truly vulnerable I let down my guard and stop trying to control the image of me that you see. In this way I am choosing to be exposed by showing up and being seen. Sharing my written gratitude is one way that I am vulnerable like this.
It takes courage to show my true self in this way. But it is the type of courage that builds me up, makes me stronger, improves my self-awareness, builds my capacity to love, and reconnects me to my happiness. This courageous act does more than just help me. Like I said before, sharing authentic gratitude is contagious. It spreads because it makes people naturally notice, appreciate, and share their gratitude. This chain of gratitude builds connections between all of the people involved.
We can choose to protect ourselves, guarding ourselves from the discomfort of vulnerability or we can show up and be seen through our gratitude. If you choose to share your authentic gratitude, you are in turn practicing vulnerability. Don’t judge yourself or others when they are being vulnerable in order to foster an environment of connection. Show up and let your true self be seen in gratitude.
[su_quote cite=”Brené Brown”]I’m learning that recognizing and leaning into the discomfort of vulnerability teaches us how to live with joy, gratitude and grace.[/su_quote]
This Week’s Gratitude Question
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My Gratitude Experience Last Week
On Friday I saw this beautiful scene as I was working. I love taking photos and instinctively reached for my phone to take a photo. But I didn’t have it because I had loaned it out to help with a project we were working on. I found myself complaining in my mind. Then I stopped myself. I realized that I could instead take the moment in visually and later write about it (in my gratitude post). In this way I could capture it through memory and gratitude instead of through photography. In the end I think I actually appreciated the moment more than I would have if I had my camera at the time.
Forgotten Gratitude
Last week I was also grateful for friendly drivers … My girlfriend for being understanding when I’m grumpy and letting me “start over” … My family working together so well even when the circumstances are trying … Dreams and encouragement to record.
A New eCard
The Gratitude I Shared Last Week
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| Sat | 10/11/2014 | I’m grateful for a fun party seeing and laughing with so many old friends, eating brisket and “dancing with dogs” … Getting started on an exciting project knit with love for my love … A chill morning; not getting dressed until late afternoon. |
| Fri | 10/10/2014 | I didn’t have a camera but I’m grateful to experience this moment: a woman standing alone on a pseudo-mesa overlooking a huge unobstructed view of the cloud-covered volcanoes at sunset … I’m grateful for my grumpiness dissipating right when I needed it to … I’m grateful for not having to set my alarm. |
| Thu | 10/9/2014 | I’m grateful for money, family, and the reminder to say please and thank you when I am short on time … Dawn to dusk beauty in the sky, pink clouds, double rainbow, glowing softness … Healing touch. |
| Wed | 10/8/2014 | I’m grateful for motivating each other to the mat, reconnecting with my breath … A heartfelt phone call sharing tears and exciting plans, with a hidden message I heard loud and clear … A long hug and a moment to stop and listen. |
| Tue | 10/7/2014 | I’m grateful for intertwining limbs … Jean bringing excitement to my work day … Gratitude mail … Creating a fun hairdo. |
| Mon | 10/6/2014 | I’m grateful for time to fold in and rest it out … The richest most luxurious pizza … Finding more than we thought we had. |
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My gratitude journey started in May 2011 and continues to this day. Thank you for being a part of it!
A daily gratitude practice is simple. Write down three things you are grateful for each day. Download your free GratitudeGuide.
My clients focus on gratitude and learn from their successes to make the positive changes they want in their lives. You can to. Call me to set up our first meeting 505.333.9336.
Created by Antonia Montoya[/su_note]