Lately, I’ve heard many men express feeling numb to their emotions. It’s a disconnect that’s all too common in our society, where emotional expression is often discouraged, especially for men. This numbness can have far-reaching effects, not just on personal well-being, but also on how we connect with others. It creates a barrier that makes it harder to be vulnerable, open up, and ask for what we truly need. When we are disconnected from our emotions, we are also disconnected from the people around us.
But the truth is, connection is built on vulnerability. When we open ourselves up and allow ourselves to feel—whether it’s joy, pain, or fear—it creates a space for others to do the same. It’s through our shared humanity that we build strength. It’s in these moments of openness that real relationships are formed, and trust is earned.
As leaders, we often feel the pressure to project strength, to show that we have it all together. But true leadership comes from showing our human side, from being vulnerable. It’s when we let others see that we’re real people, with struggles and challenges, that they can truly connect with us. Vulnerability can be scary. I know this firsthand.
There have been times when I’ve stood in front of large groups, sharing some of my most personal struggles, such as my battle with alcohol and how it was tied to my depression and anxiety. In those moments, I always worry about being judged or misunderstood. But despite the fear, I know that it’s important to be honest, to show that I’m not perfect and that I, too, have faced struggles.
The outcome is always humbling. I watch as others begin to see themselves in my story, and that connection becomes a lifeline for them. It’s in that shared vulnerability that others find the courage to take that first step toward change, to seek help, or to start a journey toward healing.
In our communities, when we show up as ourselves—unafraid to express our emotions, our fears, and our struggles—we not only empower ourselves, but we also create space for others to do the same. The connection we build is far stronger than any facade we might try to put on. It’s through our vulnerability that we find strength, and it’s through this strength that we can truly support each other.
So, let’s embrace our vulnerability. Let’s show up, not as perfect leaders, but as real people who understand that our struggles don’t make us weak—they make us human. And in our humanity, we create the connections that can transform lives.
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