vulnerability

Why Supportive Relationships Matter: Saving us From our Greatest Falls

Why Supportive Relationships Matter: Saving us From our Greatest Falls

The tallest mountain near my home is called Mt. Timpanogos. It stands at an epic 11, 753 feet and its tall peak is streaked with snow late into the summer months each year. Against the skyline, the mountain’s peaks cut boldly into the open space creating what looks like an outline of a sleeping woman. Her long hair can be seen falling loosely down the shaded mountain paths on the northern edge while the last peak on the southern end is the tip of her feet.Local legend tells of a beautiful young woman named Utahnah who was a part of the Native American tribe that lived anciently on the mountain. When the God of their tribe, Timpanogos, became angry with the tribe, Utahnah was chosen by the people to be sacrificed in order to appease his wrath. At the command of her friends and family, she made the long trek up the mountain, eventually throwing herself off its tallest peak.

Vulnerability- A Skill of Emotional Intelligence

Vulnerability- A Skill of Emotional Intelligence

I’ll get real with you. I’m not who I wish everyone thought I was. Confident, strong, unfazed by life’s difficulties, and courageous even, in spite of challenges! Positive in droves to the point where if I could wear the color yellow without it drowning out my light skin, I could sell it to painters and animation studios! And last but not least, cheerful and optimistic despite my life’s circumstances, always grateful and service with a smile!

The Vulnerability and Grit to Try New Things

The Vulnerability and Grit to Try New Things

When I was a sophomore in high school, I ran for the student council to be in the activities committee as a junior. A year before in middle school, I had been the student body president, and I was running against three other people for a three-person committee, so I felt pretty confident that I could earn a spot. I ran a hard campaign. I talked to lots of strangers, handed out all sorts of flyers, and I even lit myself on fire on accident while making my campaign video (I was ok). For me, it would all be worth it to earn an opportunity to do something I loved for the second time. I wanted to spend my time doing something I was confident and familiar with. I gave my best effort and felt incredibly confident when I went to hear the results of the election. But, as you may have guessed, I found out that I had lost.

Although I was really sad as a result of this and learned a lot about self-acceptance and moving on from disappointment, this isn’t a story about failure. It’s about trying new things.

To Be Enough in the Face of Shame

To Be Enough in the Face of Shame

Everyone feels like they are not enough at some point in their lives, and even shame has something to teach us—but we can move through our shame while maintaining our authenticity by being vulnerable with those people who have earned our confidence. If we were all a little more open about our weaknesses, they wouldn’t isolate us from others but rather help us feel more engaged and motivated to try again. Failure is human, but rising above failure is the essence of human flourishing.

Be a Friend, Make a Friend: Cultivating Supportive Relationships

Be a Friend, Make a Friend: Cultivating Supportive Relationships

When this relationship unexpectedly came to an end, I thought I would certainly be totally and utterly alone after neglecting and even chipping away at some very dear relationships. However, in my moment of distress, stalwart friends came to my rescue and carried me through my difficult times. I now want to be that same kind of friend in return.