River + Michele unpack vulnerability today.
Vulnerability can feel like standing in the middle of a crowded room naked—emotionally exposed, hoping the people around you will honor what you’re offering instead of using it against you.
And intention plays such a huge role. Are we being vulnerable to connect? To heal? To seek validation? Or to manipulate, even unconsciously? When our intention is clean—rooted in truth, love, or alignment—it might still feel scary, but it becomes powerful. When it’s unclear or driven by fear, it can feel shaky or even unsafe.
💡 Vulnerability with Intention: 5 Gentle Reminders from This Week’s Episode
1. Name Your Why
Before opening up, ask yourself: Why am I sharing this? If it’s for connection, clarity, or growth—you’re on solid ground.
2. Start Where It’s Safe
You don’t have to bare your soul to everyone. Start with the people who’ve earned your trust. Let your nervous system ease in.
3. Let Go of the Outcome
Vulnerability isn’t about controlling how others respond—it’s about showing up as your full self and releasing the need to be understood or approved of.
4. Honor the Timing
Just because you’re ready to share doesn’t mean it’s the right moment. Check in: Is this the right time, space, and person for this level of openness?
5. Vulnerability Isn’t Weakness—It’s Emotional Bravery
It takes strength to say “This is real for me.” Every time you do, you give others permission to be real too.
Some questions to ask yourself -- great journal prompts if you care to tackle it and go deeper for yourself, or ask your beloved.
Questions to Ask Ourselves in the Process:
•Am I showing up as my true self, or am I trying to fit a version of what I think they want?
•What am I afraid of revealing, and why?
•How do I react when I start to feel emotionally exposed? Do I lean in or pull away?
•Am I giving this person the chance to see and understand me fully?
•Do I trust myself to handle the outcome, even if it’s not what I hoped for?
•Am I letting past wounds dictate how open I am now?
•How do I feel after spending time with this person? Safe? Energized? Drained?
•Am I clear about what I need in a relationship, and am I willing to voice it?
•Does this connection align with my values and emotional needs?
Thanks so much for listening! We hope you enjoyed it and also learned something within yourself.
Hugs,
Michele + River
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