By Heather Backman

Connecting with another person is one of the most beautiful harmonies two souls can experience. Sometimes, it even feels like we’re remembering each other from another realm—like a reunion of spirits who were always meant to find one another.

But if connection is so beautiful… why do so many of us resist it?

One word: Vulnerability.

Most of us are terrified of being vulnerable. Why? Because vulnerability demands honesty. It asks us to show up as our full, real, unfiltered selves. And let’s be honest—many of us are carrying shame about who we are. We’ve been conditioned to believe that if anyone really saw us, they’d reject us. That we’d be laughed at, mocked, abandoned—even by those closest to us.

But here’s the truth:

Who you are is beautiful.
You are perfect just the way you are.

The more you embrace your truth, the more you’ll not only connect with others—you’ll deeply connect with those you love.

Cinderella said it best:

“Perhaps the greatest risk any of us will ever take is to be seen as we really are.”

And isn’t that what we all long for?
To be our true and authentic selves?
To live inside our truth instead of hiding from it?

YES. So let’s do it.

Here are 3 ways to choose vulnerability and create real connection:

1. Don’t Take Anything Personally
When you stop taking things personally, you reclaim power over your own thoughts, emotions, and choices. You stop making others’ behavior about you. This opens space to appreciate others’ uniqueness while fully honoring your own. You can celebrate your differences instead of fearing them.

2. Let Go of What No Longer Serves You
Release the relationships, habits, and thought patterns that drain you. As you do, you make room for people and experiences that uplift, support, and honor who you truly are.

3. Get Comfortable Choosing Vulnerability
The more you lean into speaking your truth, the more your authenticity will shine. Yes, it’s uncomfortable at first—but it gets easier. And the reward is freedom. Freedom to feel. To be honest. To take up space. To be seen.

When you live in your truth, everything aligns.

Isn’t it worth the risk to be seen as you really are?

Absolutely.

So lean in. Let yourself be vulnerable. Because where there is no vulnerability, there is no truth—and without truth, there is no real connection.

Be the truth of who you are.
What you focus on expands.
So focus on your light—and watch it grow.

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•   To discover how to start choosing more effectively now, read The Jackrabbit Factor (FREE!)  
•   If you want more step-by-step guidance on creating the life you really want, join me in the Mindset Mastery program.
•   If you want my help overcoming that giant obstacle right in front of you, learn more and sign up for Genius Bootcamp.