Thanks for being open and sharing your story Andy!
Vulnerability is a path to personal growth, because it makes you acknowledge the truth. The opposite of vulnerability is impenetrability, which means building walls, to yourself and to the world. There's no chance of growth there.
I've always felt inept at the things I do. I feel a need to support others so they won't feel that way too. The reason I started writing was so I could share the things I've learned that have helped me, and hopefully can help others too.
I'd like the next chapter of my story to be of mutual growth. Hopefully I can grow while helping others grow along the way :)
Matthieu, your comment really resonates with the heart of what I wrote in "The Stories We Hide." Vulnerability is absolutely about breaking down those walls of impenetrability, it’s about stepping into the truth of who we are, even when it’s uncomfortable. I love how you’ve connected that to your own journey of writing to support others. That’s exactly what I meant when I said in the article, ‘When you share your story, it gives others permission to reflect on their own.’ You’re doing that, you’re creating space for others to grow while growing yourself.
And that next chapter you’re envisioning? Mutual growth? That’s the magic. Keep leaning into that vision, and don’t underestimate the ripple effect you’re creating. I’m excited to see where your story takes you.
Vulnerability is hard. Telling the truth is hard. Admitting mistakes is hard. But it's the hard things that help us grow.
As you mentioned in your article, when we see someone doing it, it becomes much easier for the rest of us. Sometimes we need to see someone else take the leap, so we can see that it's safe.
Thanks for taking that leap!
And I sincerely appreciate the encouragement, I'm looking forward to the future too :)
By the way, on the topic of vulnerability, I can recommend the book Rejection Proof, by Jia Jiang. It's short but sweet, and tells the story of someone who challenged himself to get rejected once a day for 100 days. Part of why we build so many walls is because we're afraid. Afraid of being judged, rejected, putting ourselves out there only to be torn down. But in fact the way you overcome those issues is by putting yourself in those difficult situations.
Matthieu, you’re absolutely right: vulnerability and truth-telling are the real game-changers, even though they’re uncomfortable as hell. Fear of rejection? That’s the sneaky little bastard that keeps us stuck. Rejection Proof sounds like a great example of flipping that fear on its head. It’s like saying, courage doesn’t feel good, but it’s the birthplace of transformation.
Andy, this really hit home. Vulnerability has long been my mantra—my quiet motto has been “vulnerability is my superpower” for years now. Not because I came to it easily, but because I learned (usually the hard way) that the stories we hide don’t disappear. They just redirect us.
Your line about how hiding parts of ourselves costs us more than we think—it lingered.
Thanks for writing this. It’s the kind of reminder that doesn’t shout, but still lands exactly where it needs to.
Robert, wow, your words mean a lot. I love how you put it: ‘the stories we hide don’t disappear, they just redirect us.’ So true. Vulnerability being your quiet mantra? That’s powerful. It’s not easy to lean into it, but like you said, it’s where real transformation happens.
Thanks for sharing this, it’s a reminder for me too that these conversations matter. Grateful you’re here.
Beautiful articulation of what vulnerability really is, and how challenging it can be. I specifically loved this moment, “People don’t connect with me because of my resume. They connect because of my story.” I agree with you, after having read this post, and seeing how vulnerable you were with sharing, it automatically gives me a different glimpse into you and part of your worldview.
That line about connection through story: it’s something I’ve learned the hard way, but it’s so true, isn’t it? Vulnerability has this way of breaking down walls and building bridges at the same time.
I’m curious, has there been a moment where sharing your own story shifted how someone connected with you?
Being truly vulnerable (sharing my challenges, my moments of weakness, my full humanness) is what has brought me the deepest connections, both in friendship and in love.
The challenge with real vulnerability is that it’s not just about saying, “I’m an open book!” and listing the hard things I’ve been through. It’s about sharing without a mask. Letting someone see not just the events, but the weight of them. The way they shaped me, the way they hurt, the way I processed and healed.
There’s something about true openness that isn’t just about disclosure, it’s about allowing someone to feel with you. Those moments have definitely changed my relationships for the better.
This was such an easy flowing and profound post to read. I especially loved how you offered an invitation at the end for the reader to be specific on what their new life will look like. It’s easy to say we want things to be different but we tend to not be specific about what it looks like, feels like, and who we will be in this new transformative life. Thank you, Andy!
Lily, thank you for such a thoughtful comment. Yes, specificity is everything when it comes to transformation—it’s like painting a vivid picture of your future life, right? What does it look like, feel like, even smell like? Here’s a question I love asking: What’s one thing you’ve already done that reflects the life you’re envisioning? It flips the focus to action they’ve already taken, regardless of the size/scope, which can spark even deeper reflection and engagement. Even the smallest actions can be powerful steps toward aligning with the bigger picture.
Indeed, Vulnerability isn't a weakness it is a strength. The more we share our stories more we empower ourselves. More power to you Andy. Thanks for sharing.
Abhi, thank you so much for your kind words and for subscribing, it means a lot. You’re absolutely right: vulnerability is empowerment. Sharing our stories not only frees us but also creates space for others to do the same. It’s a ripple effect, and I’m grateful to be part of it with you. More power to you as well. Let’s keep building those connections and making a difference together.
Beautiful, @Andy Fenske. Thanks for the transparency here. I can relate to a lot of what you say about your father and about the credentials and storytelling. I appreciate you.
Thank you, Sherie. That means a lot. It’s amazing how storytelling connects us, right? I’m grateful it resonated with you, especially on such personal topics. If you ever feel like sharing your own experiences or thoughts, I’d love to hear them. Stories like yours are what make these conversations so meaningful.
This topic is super close to my heart and I think vulnerability is how we connect with people on a deeper level and it's essential if we want to build stronger relationships. Thanks for sharing this, Andy!
Hi Andy, I love how you unwrapped yourself here. Life has hit you hard, but you fight back, and how. The best part? You reflect it through your writing—and it’s powerful. Truly a great article.
Answer to one of your questions: I want to tell that truth about myself I’m now afraid to think of. That’s what I want to accomplish with my writing.
Toni, thank you for that, it means a lot. Writing can be such a raw, transformative process, right? If you’re ready to face that truth and put it into words, you’re already on the path to something powerful. Own it, and don’t hold back.
I love the invitation of questions. We don’t often make time to quiet ourselves and think through big ideas like this. Thank you for sharing your story and good luck with your event.
Emily, thank you for that. Questions are such a powerful tool, right? They open doors we didn’t even know were there. And hey, thanks for the good vibes about the event: I appreciate it!
Thanks for being open and sharing your story Andy!
Vulnerability is a path to personal growth, because it makes you acknowledge the truth. The opposite of vulnerability is impenetrability, which means building walls, to yourself and to the world. There's no chance of growth there.
I've always felt inept at the things I do. I feel a need to support others so they won't feel that way too. The reason I started writing was so I could share the things I've learned that have helped me, and hopefully can help others too.
I'd like the next chapter of my story to be of mutual growth. Hopefully I can grow while helping others grow along the way :)
Matthieu, your comment really resonates with the heart of what I wrote in "The Stories We Hide." Vulnerability is absolutely about breaking down those walls of impenetrability, it’s about stepping into the truth of who we are, even when it’s uncomfortable. I love how you’ve connected that to your own journey of writing to support others. That’s exactly what I meant when I said in the article, ‘When you share your story, it gives others permission to reflect on their own.’ You’re doing that, you’re creating space for others to grow while growing yourself.
And that next chapter you’re envisioning? Mutual growth? That’s the magic. Keep leaning into that vision, and don’t underestimate the ripple effect you’re creating. I’m excited to see where your story takes you.
Vulnerability is hard. Telling the truth is hard. Admitting mistakes is hard. But it's the hard things that help us grow.
As you mentioned in your article, when we see someone doing it, it becomes much easier for the rest of us. Sometimes we need to see someone else take the leap, so we can see that it's safe.
Thanks for taking that leap!
And I sincerely appreciate the encouragement, I'm looking forward to the future too :)
By the way, on the topic of vulnerability, I can recommend the book Rejection Proof, by Jia Jiang. It's short but sweet, and tells the story of someone who challenged himself to get rejected once a day for 100 days. Part of why we build so many walls is because we're afraid. Afraid of being judged, rejected, putting ourselves out there only to be torn down. But in fact the way you overcome those issues is by putting yourself in those difficult situations.
Matthieu, you’re absolutely right: vulnerability and truth-telling are the real game-changers, even though they’re uncomfortable as hell. Fear of rejection? That’s the sneaky little bastard that keeps us stuck. Rejection Proof sounds like a great example of flipping that fear on its head. It’s like saying, courage doesn’t feel good, but it’s the birthplace of transformation.
Exactly, courage isn't the absence of fear, it's acting in spite of it.
Confronting your issues scary, whether it's vulnerability, fear of rejection... Therefore the courageous thing to do is go through with it.
Not only will it become easier with each step, but you'll become a new person along the way.
Oh yes, and every step you take through that fear, you’re not just building a habit, you’re building YOU.
Such a powerful share, Andy. Thank you. 💕
Andy, this really hit home. Vulnerability has long been my mantra—my quiet motto has been “vulnerability is my superpower” for years now. Not because I came to it easily, but because I learned (usually the hard way) that the stories we hide don’t disappear. They just redirect us.
Your line about how hiding parts of ourselves costs us more than we think—it lingered.
Thanks for writing this. It’s the kind of reminder that doesn’t shout, but still lands exactly where it needs to.
Robert, wow, your words mean a lot. I love how you put it: ‘the stories we hide don’t disappear, they just redirect us.’ So true. Vulnerability being your quiet mantra? That’s powerful. It’s not easy to lean into it, but like you said, it’s where real transformation happens.
Thanks for sharing this, it’s a reminder for me too that these conversations matter. Grateful you’re here.
Beautiful articulation of what vulnerability really is, and how challenging it can be. I specifically loved this moment, “People don’t connect with me because of my resume. They connect because of my story.” I agree with you, after having read this post, and seeing how vulnerable you were with sharing, it automatically gives me a different glimpse into you and part of your worldview.
Anna, thank you for such a thoughtful comment!
That line about connection through story: it’s something I’ve learned the hard way, but it’s so true, isn’t it? Vulnerability has this way of breaking down walls and building bridges at the same time.
I’m curious, has there been a moment where sharing your own story shifted how someone connected with you?
Being truly vulnerable (sharing my challenges, my moments of weakness, my full humanness) is what has brought me the deepest connections, both in friendship and in love.
The challenge with real vulnerability is that it’s not just about saying, “I’m an open book!” and listing the hard things I’ve been through. It’s about sharing without a mask. Letting someone see not just the events, but the weight of them. The way they shaped me, the way they hurt, the way I processed and healed.
There’s something about true openness that isn’t just about disclosure, it’s about allowing someone to feel with you. Those moments have definitely changed my relationships for the better.
This was such an easy flowing and profound post to read. I especially loved how you offered an invitation at the end for the reader to be specific on what their new life will look like. It’s easy to say we want things to be different but we tend to not be specific about what it looks like, feels like, and who we will be in this new transformative life. Thank you, Andy!
Lily, thank you for such a thoughtful comment. Yes, specificity is everything when it comes to transformation—it’s like painting a vivid picture of your future life, right? What does it look like, feel like, even smell like? Here’s a question I love asking: What’s one thing you’ve already done that reflects the life you’re envisioning? It flips the focus to action they’ve already taken, regardless of the size/scope, which can spark even deeper reflection and engagement. Even the smallest actions can be powerful steps toward aligning with the bigger picture.
Oh that’s a good one! I may have to use it!
Indeed, Vulnerability isn't a weakness it is a strength. The more we share our stories more we empower ourselves. More power to you Andy. Thanks for sharing.
Abhi, thank you so much for your kind words and for subscribing, it means a lot. You’re absolutely right: vulnerability is empowerment. Sharing our stories not only frees us but also creates space for others to do the same. It’s a ripple effect, and I’m grateful to be part of it with you. More power to you as well. Let’s keep building those connections and making a difference together.
Yes sure Andy, looking forward to interacting more on these topics.
Beautiful, @Andy Fenske. Thanks for the transparency here. I can relate to a lot of what you say about your father and about the credentials and storytelling. I appreciate you.
Of course! Most of what I write is memoir, so it’s all there. I’m all there, I can say. 🩷
Thank you, Sherie. That means a lot. It’s amazing how storytelling connects us, right? I’m grateful it resonated with you, especially on such personal topics. If you ever feel like sharing your own experiences or thoughts, I’d love to hear them. Stories like yours are what make these conversations so meaningful.
This topic is super close to my heart and I think vulnerability is how we connect with people on a deeper level and it's essential if we want to build stronger relationships. Thanks for sharing this, Andy!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Billie, it’s awesome to know this resonated with you!
Hi Andy, I love how you unwrapped yourself here. Life has hit you hard, but you fight back, and how. The best part? You reflect it through your writing—and it’s powerful. Truly a great article.
Answer to one of your questions: I want to tell that truth about myself I’m now afraid to think of. That’s what I want to accomplish with my writing.
Toni, thank you for that, it means a lot. Writing can be such a raw, transformative process, right? If you’re ready to face that truth and put it into words, you’re already on the path to something powerful. Own it, and don’t hold back.
I love the invitation of questions. We don’t often make time to quiet ourselves and think through big ideas like this. Thank you for sharing your story and good luck with your event.
Emily, thank you for that. Questions are such a powerful tool, right? They open doors we didn’t even know were there. And hey, thanks for the good vibes about the event: I appreciate it!
Thank you for seeing the heart behind the story. 💕
It’s connections like this that remind me why sharing our truths matters so much.
Absolutely, it’s the foundation for real connection.