When someone lets their guard down to or with someone else, an opening within begins to take place. A bond with the other begins to emerge, and this is a wonderful feeling. It requires taking a risk, and a little bit of trust. All of this is quite rewarding, and one may feel a safe place has been established with the person you are becoming vulnerable with.

But then there is the inevitable fear that sets in; can you trust this person? Now that you have found a sense of safety within another, was is right to place that very sensitive side of yourself in them? This is especially true at the beginning of a new relationship. If the person you let in winds up hurting you in some way, feelings of regret that you opened yourself up set in. And in the next relationship that rolls around, you’ll end up being even more guarded. This tends to happen more as we age, I’ve noticed. Everyone is on guard, protecting themselves from getting hurt. When in reailty, all we want is that safe place to feel accepted and loved unconditionally for all that we are.

So as much as we all want it, we fear it deeply. When we open up our vulnerabilities, we establish a connection with another. And although that is great, the chances that you will feel hurt by the person you invested emotionally into become much, much greater if they do something to disrespect or deceive. Hence, the risk taking involved in becoming vulnerable.

I found strenght in your living authentically course, and if I may say, in a strange way. After taking the course, I felt more in touch with myself than ever. And, unfortunately, two weeks ago, on Sept. 13, my father passed away. So, I went back to reading some parts of your book and lessons, and found a lot of support in them.

Right now, I’m dealing with a very tough and “emotionally vulnerable” time, trying to cope with his loss as well as a number of unfroseen issues with his business (he was a dentist) and his second wife.

Sometimes life is not exactly easy, but somewhere deep inside ourselves lie the power of strength and self healing.

I have found my strength and my safe place in writing.

I am very comfortable in busy social situations (big parties) because I don’t have to be vulnerable and I can be superficial.

I don’t feel comfortable in a one-on-one conversation because it is too scary, the risk of rejection is too big and too immediate.

So, in writing, and in sharing my writing with others, I can be authentic and brave.

- Marie (Coming Out of the Trees)