I was raised by a single mom, a strong and independent woman who shaped me into the person I am today. From my childhood, I was taught to stay strong, never cry, never ask for help, and to trust no one. My mother’s words echoed in my mind throughout my life: “You’ve got to be strong and show your strength.” This mindset guided me and served me well in many ways, helping me build resilience and independence. But one pivotal moment in my life taught me a different kind of strength—the strength that comes from vulnerability.
My Journey to Redefining Strength Through Vulnerability
Years ago, I had a serious accident that left me hospitalized. The pain was unbearable, and after surgery, I broke down crying during a call with my mom. Instead of comfort, I heard her familiar refrain: “Why are you crying? I didn’t teach you to be weak. You need to stay strong.” While my mom’s advice had shaped my grit, it left little room for softness or seeking support. That same day, I reached out to my life coach—something my mom could never quite understand. To her, sharing personal struggles with a coach seemed unnecessary. But my coach offered a perspective that changed everything. He told me, “It’s okay to be vulnerable.” He then shared a profound paragraph from the teachings of Kabbalah, which I read over and over. As I sat with those words, something clicked. I realized that vulnerability wasn’t a sign of weakness but a bridge to connection and healing. Acting on this newfound understanding, I reached out to a former client, Eddie, who I remembered was a sports physical therapist. Eddie was thrilled to hear from me and agreed to take me on as a patient, despite my lack of insurance or funds to cover medical bills. That experience taught me an invaluable lesson: it’s okay to ask for help. Vulnerability allowed me to share my truth and connect with others in a meaningful way.
Lessons Learned
True strength isn’t about suppressing emotions or refusing help; it’s about embracing vulnerability and allowing others to support us. Here’s what I learned:
- Asking for Help is Empowering: Vulnerability fosters connection. By asking for help, I allowed others to show up for me in ways that created mutual trust and respect.
- Sharing Your Truth is Liberating: When I opened up about my struggles, it deepened my relationships and revealed the humanity we all share.
- Strength Comes in Many Forms: Resilience is essential, but so is softness. True balance lies in knowing when to lean on others.
This lesson profoundly impacted my business, personal relationships, and finances. I became more open and trusted people with the knowledge and experience I needed to grow. I realized I didn’t need to figure it all out by myself. It’s not about knowing everything but knowing the right people who can teach, guide, and empower you. Working with business owners for over 26 years, I’ve seen so many face the same challenges. They believe they have to do everything themselves, that it’s embarrassing to ask for help, or that they must figure everything out on their own. But the truth is, asking for help and leaning on others isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a step toward success. This lesson is particularly impactful for women in business. Women often juggle work, family, and personal growth while hiding their struggles. Vulnerability empowers us to connect, collaborate, and create sustainable success by seeking support and leveraging the knowledge of others. By embracing vulnerability, women can build stronger businesses, nurture relationships, and lead lives of authenticity and purpose.
Actionable Steps to Embrace Vulnerability
- Challenge Your Beliefs: Reflect on the messages you’ve internalized about strength and weakness. Ask if those beliefs serve or limit you.
- Take Small Steps to Open Up: Share your feelings with a trusted friend, mentor, or coach.
- Reframe Asking for Help: Understand that asking for help is not failure but a tool for growth and collaboration.
- Find Your Support System: Build a circle of people who understand and uplift you.
A New Perspective
Today, I see vulnerability as a superpower. It’s allowed me to connect with others on a deeper level and create a life rich in authenticity and purpose. My mom’s teachings of strength and my coach’s encouragement to embrace vulnerability now coexist in harmony. Both have helped me build resilience, nurture relationships, and live a life aligned with my truth. Strength and vulnerability are not opposites. They are partners. Open yourself to vulnerability, and you’ll unlock a world of connection, growth, and authenticity. Take the leap. Share your truth. And watch your life transform.
About the Author
Name: Ella Rivkin
Professional Title: Expert in Financial Freedom and Business Growth
Bio: Ella Rivkin is a Financial Freedom expert, Business Coach, and founder of ERPS Group, dedicated to empowering business owners and individuals worldwide to achieve their goals. Guided by the principle “It’s All In Your Hands!™” and leveraging her proven signature system, she helps clients create lasting success and a positive ripple effect in their lives and businesses.
Website: www.ellarivkin.com
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