Vulnerability often feels like weakness. It’s uncomfortable, exposing, and leaves us feeling raw. But here’s the truth: vulnerability is one of the greatest strengths we have.
For me, learning to embrace vulnerability was life-changing. It wasn’t always easy, but it helped me heal in ways I never thought possible. If you’re struggling to open up or let others see the real you, I hope my story inspires you to take that first step.
What Is Vulnerability?
Vulnerability is being honest about how you feel. It’s allowing yourself to be seen; flaws, fears, and all. It’s admitting when you’re hurting and accepting that it’s okay to not have everything together.
For adoptees and foster care survivors, vulnerability can feel especially hard. We’re often taught to hide our pain, bury our emotions, and “be strong.” But real strength comes from being honest about what we’re going through.
My Journey with Vulnerability
Growing up, my life was full of trauma. My adopted family put me through awful experiences, and as a child, I carried so much pain. But there was something different about me, I wasn’t scared to be vulnerable with the people I trusted.
At school, I felt comfortable sharing my emotions. I talked to friends, parents of friends, and even some of my teachers who supported me. I felt a strong connection with them, and being able to share what I was going through kept me strong. That network of people who listened to me gave me the strength to keep going.
But there was one part of my life where I couldn’t be vulnerable. The abuse I experienced as a child and teenager was something I kept buried for a long time. There was so much shame and guilt around it, and I didn’t know how to talk about it.
It wasn’t until I started to open up about that side of my story that the real healing began. When I allowed myself to be vulnerable about the abuse, I finally began to release the pain I’d been holding onto for years. That’s when I discovered the true power of vulnerability, it’s the gateway to healing.
How Vulnerability Helped Me Heal
Opening up wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. Here’s how being vulnerable helped me heal:
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It Allowed Me to Release Pain
Holding onto pain creates emotional and physical stress. Sharing my feelings gave me the space to release years of bottled-up emotions. -
It Helped Me Build Meaningful Connections
When I opened up, I found people who genuinely understood and supported me. Vulnerability created deeper, more authentic relationships. -
It Taught Me Self-Acceptance
Being vulnerable helped me embrace my flaws and imperfections. I realised that I didn’t have to be perfect to be worthy of love and connection. -
It Opened the Door to Healing Practices
Vulnerability led me to healing tools like EFT Tapping, Reiki, and meditation. These practices allowed me to work through my emotions and build resilience.
How You Can Start Embracing Vulnerability
If vulnerability feels scary, you’re not alone. But small steps can make a big difference.
1. Start with Yourself
Journaling is a great way to explore your feelings. Write down your thoughts without judgment. Let it all out.
2. Share with Someone You Trust
Choose someone who makes you feel safe, whether it’s a friend, family member, or therapist. Start by sharing something small and see how it feels.
3. Practice Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
EFT is a powerful tool to release fear and anxiety around vulnerability.
- Tap on your hand or other points and say, “Even though I’m scared to be vulnerable, I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”
- Repeat until you feel calmer.
On my YouTube channel, I share EFT Tapping sessions to help adoptees, foster care survivors and anyone on their healing journey release emotional pain. Subscribe here to find sessions designed to support you.
You might want to try this session: The Power of Vulnerability: Heal Emotional Pain & Build Authentic Connections
4. Embrace Your Imperfections
Nobody is perfect. Remind yourself that it’s okay to be human. Vulnerability isn’t about being flawless, it’s about being real.
5. Take It One Step at a Time
You don’t have to share everything all at once. Vulnerability is a journey. Be patient with yourself as you take each step.
Vulnerability Is Strength
Being vulnerable doesn’t make you weak. It makes you courageous.
For me, being vulnerable about my childhood struggles helped me stay strong. But it was opening up about my deepest pain, the abuse I endured, that truly transformed my life. By sharing that part of my story, I began to heal in ways I never imagined.
Through vulnerability, I discovered the power of connection, acceptance, and healing. I realised that being honest about my struggles didn’t make me less; it made me more.
Take the Next Step in Your Healing
If you’re ready to embrace vulnerability, remember that you don’t have to do it alone.
On my YouTube channel, Healing After Adoption, I share EFT Tapping videos to help you release emotional pain. Soon, I’ll also share meditations and Reiki practices to support your journey.
Subscribe here to start your healing journey.
You are worthy of love, connection, and peace. Vulnerability can help you find it.
Thank you so much for reading.
A few links:
If you’d like to work with me, get in touch via: www.MaheshaRice.com
Join our Circle of Light & Healing, every Sunday at 8pm (UK Time): https://mahesharice.com/circle/
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel, a sanctuary of hope and transformation for adoptees, foster care survivors and anyone on their healing journey: https://www.youtube.com/@MaheshaRice
My FREE guide to Overcoming Anxiety, Stress, and Burnout: introduces EFT Tapping, a powerful self-help tool you can use every day to manage stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. Download it here: https://mahesharice.com/free-guide/
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With Love & Light,
