by Renaissance Girl  

 

I suspect Merriam and Webster would not be pleased after all their efforts to hear what I am about to say but…. Today I looked up the word “vulnerable”.  I’ve been learning something about myself recently, actually “re-learning” in a new way. When I have an uncomfortable feeling like jealousy, sadness, or embarrassment, my habit (and defense) is to make a joke, usually at my own expense. It’s quippy and sharp and I feel pretty pleased with myself. But the problem is, often what I really feel like doing is crying. So, a friend has suggested I abstain from this kind of banter in lieu of actually saying the thing I feel — being vulnerable.  I know what the word means, but I felt compelled to look it up. Merriam-Webster says “capable of being physically or emotionally wounded” or “open to attack or damage”.  I pondered the negative spin on this for a bit, and a fresh thought hit me. What if I removed the violent sounding parts from each definition?  That leaves “capable of being” and “open to” — and then it came together: “Capable of Being Open”.  So with apologies to Merriam & Webster, I take step one towards it.