The Beauty of Vulnerability

Fake it till you make it? That phrase has always seemed a bit strange to me, yet I’ve found myself leaning into it more often than I’d like to admit.

I know many of us keep our struggles hidden because we're scared of being judged or worse, criticised. On social media, for example, it’s easy to get caught up in the perfect images people share. We see posts about achievements, dream holidays, smiles with friends, and everything that seems to be going right in others' lives. And, don't get me wrong, I love seeing my friends happy and thriving. But I can’t help but wish that more people would feel safe enough to share more than just their happy moments.

How many times have I seen someone post something sad or negative and thought, "Ugh, I don’t need this on my feed right now"? I’ve been guilty of thinking that, especially when I'm just trying to escape into the online world. And yet, how often do I scroll past that post because, deep down, I can’t really relate? After all, I’m dealing with my own struggles, ones no one knows about. Just a moment ago, I shared a picture of myself having the time of my life, masking the messiness that was happening behind the scenes.

It’s rare for anyone to be truly open about their difficulties. People fear being labelled as “attention-seeking” if they ask for help or show vulnerability. But in truth, life is so much more than just the highlights we share. If we didn’t experience the tough moments, would we even appreciate the good ones? If we lived every day in the sunshine, would the beauty of a perfect sunrise still feel as magical? There can’t be a rainbow without a little rain, and there’s no growth without hardship.

The struggles, the heartbreaks, the moments where we feel like we can’t go on – they are just as important as the victories. They shape us. They teach us patience, strength, and compassion – not only for others but for ourselves too. Sometimes, falling apart is exactly what we need. It’s only when we rebuild that we come back stronger, wiser, and more in tune with the small, beautiful things – like a sunrise. We've faced the storm and emerged on the other side, more open to life, and perhaps even more grateful for it.

I want to see more of that. I want to see people share not just their wins, but their struggles too. Like the moments before that graduation picture, the challenges that led to the achievement. That’s the real story, and it deserves to be heard.

Life isn’t linear. It’s messy, unpredictable, and complex. And when we open ourselves up – showing not just our joys, but our brokenness too – that’s when we are truly authentic. When we allow others to see us at our most vulnerable, we’re showing them something beautiful. And maybe, just maybe, it’ll give them the courage to be real with themselves, to seek help, and to start their own journey towards healing.

So, here’s my promise: I will share my heart, even when it feels broken. It still shines, even through the cracks. And I hope you’ll do the same. Together, let’s create a space where authenticity is celebrated, and healing begins.

Keep shining, and stay true to who you are.