I think there's a big difference between being naïve and being vulnerable. When we're young and inexperienced, being naïve is a given and is usually forgiven. Until we've lived a couple decades and learned a few life lessons, our childish and somewhat irresponsible ways are seen as a natural part of growing up. Our parents, teachers and other adult mentors will usually understand and excuse our lapses in judgment knowing full well they were once stumbling and bumbling their way through adolescence and early adulthood. The truth is...maturity and responsibility don't necessarily come with getting older. It's more the hard-knocks, the broken hearts and the mistakes we make throughout our lives that teach us how to be aware and astute. You may be a legal adult at age 18, but an official badge for being a grown-up doesn't exist. Wisdom is derived from experience and fortunately, life doesn't put a cap on how many opportunities are given to us to become wiser.

So in the interest (and importance) of being vulnerable, I've been asking myself some questions of late and they're ones I'd ask you to consider as well - How can you be more open and honest with yourself and with others? What is significant enough in your life that you'd be willing to take a risk to find out how grand an idea of yours could possibly be? What is it that keeps you up at night and whispers gently, but consistently, "Do it now."? And last, but not least...how painful will it have to get before you take action around something you just know is meant for you to do? Still need to be convinced of the benefits of being vulnerable? Read on...

Five Benefits of Being Vulnerable

1) New possibilities open up
It's a given that when you begin to BE different, how you DO things will be different as well. Don't be surprised when life throws a few surprises your way. Remember that old saying, "When one door closes, another door opens."? Walk through the opening you've created for yourself.

2) People will be more willing to be vulnerable with you
When others see that you're willing to be authentic and 'out there', they'll feel a lot more comfortable doing the same. No one wants to risk looking like a fool, but not taking risks is one of the most foolish things us humans can do. Be the first to really show up and speak up and watch with delight as others do the same.

3) You face your fears instead of hide from them
Being vulnerable gives you more of an opportunity to really examine what it is that scares you. Trust me, the more you do this, whatever fears you have will begin to seem a lot less scary.

4) Your learning curve is exponentially shortened
Rather than waiting for the 'right time' to do something, you dive in and learn very quickly what works and what doesn't. Being vulnerable often requires a 'no holding back' approach to doing things. The degree in which you 'put yourself out there' in the world will determine your rate of self-growth.

5) You'll experience the profound pleasure of being true to yourself
Honestly, if you can't be real with yourself, how can you possibly be real with others? Time for a reality check! The joy and satisfaction that comes from being vulnerable far outweighs the risk you take in keeping quiet and remaining hidden.

Traveling for six weeks this summer gave me plenty of opportunities to be vulnerable. I think back to the two weeks I spent in Japan and had I not 'put myself out there' I may not have enjoyed my trip as much. It certainly was frustrating at times being a foreigner, but I tell you, it was a lot more fun (and funny) to be different and misunderstood than to just be frustrated. For me, being vulnerable isn't a once-in-a-while thing. It's my standard way of being. I know it's the way in which I'll continually grow and I know it's one of the ways in which I inspire others. Remain tight in the bud no longer. I challenge you not to wait until spring to bloom. That day is here now. Open up.

One of the things I did this summer was return to the same writer's retreat in Taos, New Mexico that I attended last July. It's kind of funny. After spending a week of writing in the high desert, I returned home to the Pacific Northwest and took a week-long retreat from my writing altogether. Even though I'm still catching up on email, the break was a much-needed one as it gave me time to get clear on what's next. Writing my book, The Ultimate Yes, and returning to my blog of the same name is on the front burner and there's more.

What's next is...A friend of mine and I will be facilitating ecstatic dance classes in Cannon Beach beginning in September. Our long-term goal is to build a movement and retreat center along the north Oregon coast. I want to create a place where people can come to relax, rejuvenate and play. This is the latest and greatest dream of mine and I'm delighted to have a business partner who shares the same vision I do.

What else...The fall retreat at the beach has turned into a winter one. Begin Again – A Weekend Sojourn by the Sea will be January 18-20 and will be an intimate gathering for just twelve women. I found two lovely homes here in Cannon Beach that will serve as both the accommodations and retreat space and I've hired an incredible chef to cater all our meals for the weekend. Registration for this event will begin September 1 and an early bird discount will be offered through November 15. For additional details about this event, please visit Playful Spirit Productions. If you're interested in being one of the dozen women who will be a part of a magical and memorable weekend this January, don't delay letting me know.

I have a little gift to send to the first twenty-five women who email me their mailing address and the reason(s) why a weekend at the beach this winter would be the perfect place for them to be.

What prevents you from putting yourself out there and taking more risks?

How could being more vulnerable benefit your life?

Care to share what these questions stir up in you?

Send me an e-mail. I welcome your thoughts and will respond to all e-mails received.

~Playful Spirit Productions' mission is to inspire people to show up, be real and play big in life.~