December 11, 2024
This post is part of my 30in30 challenge, where I write 30 minutes every day for 30 working days. Due to my limited time for this challenge, the content will be only very lightly researched and edited. The idea is to just write. Find my voice, and find the courage to publish. To follow my curiosity wherever it may take me.
My yesterday's post resonated with people.
Why is it that the most personal, vulnerable posts get the most attention? The posts that I'm a little bit embarrassed to write, the thoughts and feelings I'm a little bit ashamed to admit to. The ones that expose the parts of me I'd rather keep hidden.
I think it's because human beings crave connection. Deep down, we all want to be understood, feel seen, and know we're not navigating life alone. We long for shared experiences, even if they come from someone else's struggles and insecurities. Or, maybe, especially from those.
Vulnerability creates that bridge between people.
When I share something personal, it's really scary. There's always a voice in my head warning me about judgment or rejection. What if I'm shutting the door to some amazing opportunity? What if this is the time I'll be exposed as a fraud? What if people don't want to be friends with me anymore?
So childish, right? Yet, very true.
My mind goes into an overdrive, coming up with all sorts of reasons and scenarios why publishing this post is a really bad idea. Career-ending. My name will be tarnished forever. I'll have to move to the mountains and never speak to anyone ever again.
When I finally overcome this irrational fear and hit "publish," something amazing happens. I wake up to an outpouring of love and support. People respond—not just with likes or comments but with stories and reflections sparked by my words. They can relate, they understand and feel understood.
I've learned that vulnerability is like a magnet; it brings people together because it is honest, real, and stands out from the perceived perfection of social media. It reminds me that behind every polished online presence is a person with doubts, dreams, and messy emotions.
Just like me.