What does it mean to be vulnerable?
"This is what I have found: to let ourselves be seen, deeply seen, vulnerably seen; to love with our whole hearts, even though there’s no guarantee — and that’s really hard, and I can tell you as a parent, that’s excruciatingly difficult — to practice gratitude and joy in those moments of terror, when we’re wondering, “Can I love you this much? Can I believe in this this passionately? Can I be this fierce about this?” just to be able to stop and, instead of catastrophizing what might happen, to say, “I’m just so grateful, because to feel this vulnerable means I’m alive."--Brene BrownDeep down, to be loved is our greatest need. To love my children as deeply as I do comes with a desire to protect, share with, laugh, and yet discipline them enough so that they can discern not just what's right but what's best.
I try not to enable them and but to create strong independent souls. Often at the edge of tears and frustration but always with so much grace that whatever it is... I know and believe all will be well. A balance of passion and reason.
In the end, they will find their own way. I just hope in the road to finding their own, I'm able to provide them just the right amount of love, affection and counsel to get them there. And, certainly, my vulnerability is what makes me so proud when my son comes up and says, "who needs a normal mom, when I have the best mom"?
“If you do not love too much, you do not love enough.”~Pascal
Hmmm. A normal mom. I never feel like a normal mom. In the midst of keeping all the irons in the fire and wearing the appropriate hat for the day, I mostly feel a sense of calm chaos. And when things get overwhelming and I drop the ball or need a little help, it's in this space that I hope my kids are learning self-sufficiency, resourcefulness and independance. I don't want to enable them by being the "be all and do all" for them.
ReplyDeleteI think vulnerable is the only way to be (scary though). Let your true self shine, don't hide or hold back. Thats where we can authentically connect and form meaningful relationships.
Thank you, as always for sharing. Love you, and love Brene Brown. :)
me either, so not normal.
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing your heart. you are a sweet one, ms. Kimberly.
no accident our paths have crossed.
lots of love and joy in the journey.