Emotional Vulnerability
We Might Get More Open With Our Concerns and Emotions as We Age
Being more vulnerable and sharing with others may open new ways of growth at any age
Doing something quite out of character, I recently talked about my glaucoma issues in an informal chat on Zoom.
It has always felt impossible to reveal my problems publicly and admit the emotions connected. Somehow, it seemed too personal and private.
My wife and I vary quite a bit in this area. She will quickly reveal what is going on with us as she chats with her siblings or other friends. I always cringe even while I admit it doesn't hurt me at all.
When I explained my laser eye surgery online, my friends were very supportive. What did I expect would happen?
Our online orientation could close us off from emotional sharing. However, the digital distance could give us more freedom to do so.
An article about a Pakistani influencer, Mehek Kapoor tells a story about a young mother who became a YouTube star with almost a million followers.
On average, Sitara Yaseen's vlogging about being in a polygamous marriage earns upwards of $20,000 a month.
Initially, she showed off her makeup skills and was pleased with 200 viewers and very little financial return. Kapoor explains how things changed:
It was only after she posted some videos showcasing her husband getting another wife for himself, that her YouTube channel got heavy traction and a crazy amount of views.
Kapoor describes an essential lesson for us all:
What’s the secret behind it? Well, if it has to be summed up in two words, it is — emotional connection.
A few years back, most of us had numerous social contacts. It took an effort to avoid personal exchanges. Then the Covid-19 pandemic struck. We were forced to stay inside with very few people. We might 'hibernate,' if we wished.
Fortunately, we discovered Zoom and other ways to be in touch online. But those contacts alone were not enough. We had to let people know how we were feeling, a check-in, if you will. Otherwise, digital conversations would have distanced us even more.
Online contact gives us enough anonymity to open ourselves to others. Then a process starts through which we find ourselves sharing in new ways.
When I was younger, I couldn't have been nearly as open. Now that I am in the aged category, I care less about what others know of me. Thus, I am much more connected and feel cared about.
Being more vulnerable and sharing with others may open new ways of growth at any age
For another story when I remembered times of emotional distress and grief: