Overcoming vulnerability
One of my vulnerabilities while studying abroad and even before it are connecting with people. I love getting to know them and hearing their stories, but I overthink it, worrying that I’m not a fun person, not good at explaining things, and that people will feel like they wasted their time talking to me because they didn’t get anything out of it. Plus, my English isn’t as flowy as theirs.
So when people say “let’s connect another time” (no idea if they mean it or are just sugarcoating), I used to avoid following up.
But I’m challenging myself to embrace vulnerability and actually try connecting with people, especially now that I’m finishing my master’s. Better late than never, right? My intention is to learn from them. I said to myself, let’s just be curious so it overpowers my shyness!
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At the same time, I feel like Allah has a way of steering me toward that goal. This summer, I keep getting invited to meetups.
So how’s it going? Of course it’s uncomfortable, but I’m determined to embrace it. After catching up with people, I always overthink afterward (no surprise! haha), but at the same time, I always end up feeling great, gaining new insights in ways I didn’t even realize I needed.
I believe I am now doing what TC always told us to do: show your vulnerability, don’t hide it, because that’s where the learning happens.
