We started the year talking about celebrations, and reflecting on the weekend, I am feeling grateful for spring - worthy of a celebration after a long winter! I think it's a combination of longer days, warmer temps, and disappearing sun - but the invitation to get outside seems to be louder than ever. Listening to stories this week from Chris about meeting his dad and brother to go walking through Afton State Park with headlamps, seeing Facebook posts of stunning Northern Lights this week, and still having daylight to walk the dog after work all remind me that we are blessed to live in an area filled with natural beauty. And surrounded by state and county parks, we have many opportunities to get outside to enjoy it! I was thinking about it this weekend, enjoying the 3-4 feet of snow up north for skiing and snowshoeing, how it feels so good to get outside - good for the mind and body!
I hope you had opportunities this weekend, or look forward to a chance this week, to get outside, here's to getting some exercise, and taking in some fresh air. It's a great way to celebrate spring!
Vulnerability is the core, the heart, the center, of meaningful human experiences. -Brene Brown
This week's mindset is Let Yourself Be Vulnerable. I was curious and wanted to learn more about what that meant - so here's what I found!
Humans are wired to require a sense of belonging to feel happy. Building meaningful relationships has multiple benefits. including improved physical health, reduced stress, increased life expectancy, higher self-esteem, and decreased depression or anxiety. Being vulnerable is a key part of these relationships.
Vulnerability is an opportunity to grow as a person and a way to build deeper relationships. Opening up and relinquishing your fears of rejection helps build trust and honesty, fosters empathy, and builds stronger bonds. It's not always easy to be vulnerable and doing so often takes deliverate steps. The work is worth it!
Even though it can be uncomfortable, Brene Brown explains how vulnerability is also the birthplace for joy, creativity, authenticity, and love. With vulnerability, we can let our guards down and be seen for who we truly are. The truth about vulnerability is that it is not a weakness, but rather a strength. Here are just a few of the many benefits of embracing vulnerability:
Vulnerability shows us to be our authentic selves, instead of trying to please others.
With vulnerability, we build empathy. We can let down our walls, understanding and sharing feelings easier, and encouraging others to do the same. In turn, we become more understanding, willing to forgive others, and willing to give love to others.
Being vulnerable can help us to work through our emotions easier, rather than pushing them away. Vulnerability fosters good emotional and mental health.
Vulnerability also is a sign of courage. We become more resilient and brave when we embrace who we truly are and what we are feeling.
And as already mentioned, being vulnerable can help us foster better connections and relationships with others. It helps us to find people who will accept us for who we truly are.
Brene Brown speaks to embracing vulnerability. She says that the more we protect ourselves from vulnerability, the more we grow fearful and disconnected. Being vulnerable then means the opposite: engaging fully and openly with the world around us. Vulnerability is the courage of putting ourselves out there.
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Vulnerability and it's connection to innovation and creativity.
Ultimately, welcoming vulnerability will help us to live a genuinely fulfilling life!
Whether you are getting away from it all, or staying home to relax - it is my hope that you find time to rest and refresh. The Willow staff has worked diligently and compassionately, and deserves a break!
