Embracing Vulnerability: It’s OK to Not Be OK
Embracing vulnerability starts with accepting that it’s ok to not be ok. That’s a real thing. In fact, ‘it’s okay to not be okay’ is a phrase widely supported by mental health professionals. Maybe you’ve heard people say it, but do you believe it?
Recently, I put a picture on Facebook of me at the gym. My shoulders looked buff and my arms muscular. I had strategically cropped out the extra belly fat and angled my arms to block my man boobs. Honestly, I looked great in the photo—GREAT!
The original plan was to send the picture only to my girlfriend. But because I looked so good, I also shared it with three of my male friends who hold me accountable to working out. The agreement is simple: every day I hit the gym, I send them a picture.
Embracing Vulnerability Through Honest Reflection
Here’s where things shifted. While the picture was meant just for my girlfriend, it ended up with her, my friends, and eventually all over Facebook. The underlying reason? Insecurity. I sent the photo because I wanted likes.
How Embracing Vulnerability Helps Heal Emotional Triggers
That same weekend, I uncovered new information that strengthened my long-standing suspicion about my ex-wife’s extramarital activity. While nothing was definitively confirmed, the evidence was strong and aligned with what I had feared.
I had genuinely believed I was ok. After all, these suspicions had existed for a while. One major reason I ended the marriage was due to ongoing inappropriate behavior, even if it wasn’t technically cheating. So, I assumed those feelings were behind me. Turns out, they weren’t.
Recognizing Emotional Insecurity in Relationships
In the days that followed, I had dreams that my current girlfriend was cheating. When she casually mentioned the name of a guy she once had a crush on, it bothered me. Even seeing her comment on a male friend’s Facebook post triggered jealousy.
Eventually, I had to face it, I wasn’t ok. My subconscious was speaking, and I needed to pay attention.
Using Vulnerability to Understand My Own Reflection
Let’s return to that gym picture. The events of the past few days had left me feeling deeply insecure. Although the photo was meant for my girlfriend, it became a subtle attempt to remind her of what she had. I craved reassurance about her attraction toward me.
Because of that, I carefully cropped out my belly fat, blocked my man boobs, and sent a “HEY, REMEMBER ME” photo. And yes, it worked. She loved it. But the truth is, she loves me regardless. The insecurity was mine, not hers. Still, I posted it publicly to over 900 Facebook friends, all for a dose of validation.
Self-Awareness and Growth Through Vulnerability
So here’s why I’m actually winning: I was aware of why I posted that picture. I even hashtagged it with *insecure post* because I understood exactly what I was doing.
Truthfully, the issue isn’t feeling insecure. What’s dangerous is when we act without recognizing that our emotions are running the show. When our internal wounds drive our external behavior, things can spiral. Growth begins with identifying the feeling, owning it, and choosing to respond intentionally.
We will all go through phases where we’re not ok. That’s part of the human experience. The key is: are you willing to acknowledge it—and proceed responsibly?
Share Your Vulnerability: Your Story Can Heal Others
Have you gone through something similar? Have your actions ever been driven by insecurity? Are you willing to be transparent and share your story in this safe space?
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Written by: Q. Edmonds, Lead M.O.T.M. StoryTeller