Finding Strength in Vulnerability (Even If You Hate That Word)

Vulnerability gets a lot of airtime these days.

It’s been romanticized, hashtagged, and TED-talked into something shiny.

But when you’re dealing with cancer, vulnerability isn’t trendy.

It’s terrifying.

Because letting someone see you fall apart?

That feels like risk. Like exposure. Like weakness.

But here’s the reframe:

Vulnerability isn’t weakness. It’s strength in motion.

What Vulnerability Actually Looks Like During Cancer

It’s not posting your rawest moment on social media.

It’s:

• Asking for help when you usually handle everything

• Saying “I don’t know” or “I’m scared”

• Letting someone see you cry without apologizing

• Telling the truth when someone asks how you’re doing

It’s uncomfortable, unfiltered, and deeply human.

Two Ways to Practice Vulnerability That Don’t Feel Like Emotional Freefall

1. Start Small and Safe

You don’t have to bare your soul to everyone. Choose one safe person and share one true thing you’ve been holding in. Just one.

Example:

“I’m really overwhelmed this week.”

“I’m afraid I’m not coping as well as I look.”

2. Stop Apologizing for Your Humanity

You’re not “too much” for needing support.

You’re not weak for not being okay.

You’re not a burden. You’re a person going through something hard—and being real about it.

You don’t have to armor up to be strong.

In fact, strength isn’t pretending you’re fine.

It’s telling the truth about what you’re carrying—and letting someone carry a little of it with you.

Vulnerability isn’t about performance.

It’s about connection.

And that’s what keeps us going.

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