How vulnerability is our greatest strength: Brené Brown

We talk a lot about being vulnerable and afraid in our group meetings, and how to turn that vulnerability into strength.

Fear is the root cause of all negative emotions. It compels people to use drugs to make the feelings go away, but those feelings are right there waiting when the high wears off. People keeping using more and more and spiral out of control.

Fear also keeps people from getting the help they need. Admitting to ourselves and others that we’re no longer in control is the bravest thing anyone can do. You’re strong enough to do anything when you’re strong enough to ask for help.

That act of courage is the first step towards mastering the fears that lie beneath addiction. Drugs like meth and cocaine make us feel powerful as they put us under their power. People think power is being able to take what they want. People in recovery know the real power is to be able to walk away from something you want to take more than life itself.

We love this talk by Brené Brown on the power of vulnerability. She talks about how the people who look brave to us are actually facing their greatest fears and making themselves vulnerable as they take the risk.

It inspires us, and we hope it inspires you too.