Rising Strong
Rising Strong
Over the years, our democracy has been tested. This was evident on January 6, 2021 when an angry mob attempted insurrection at our nation’s capital. Today, January 20, 2021, Joseph R Biden, Jr. was sworn in as our 46th president of the United States. In his speech President Biden stated, “Today we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but, of a cause, the cause of democracy.” He also added, “Let’s start afresh, all of us. Let’s begin to listen to one another again.” And he spoke directly to “All Americans”. Joe Biden has a big job ahead of him. He has weathered his share of real-life tragedies and is attempting to help us as a nation overcome a very tumultuous era, and for that I am eternally hopeful and grateful.
The following is something I wrote awhile back reflecting on vulnerability and rising up from darkness. Parts of this piece are reflected in Renee Brown’s book, Rising Strong. Her book has been inspirational to me and countless others and while she may have been reflecting on a different context, I believe it fits this moment.
When I see people stand fully in their truth, or when I see someone fall down, get back up and say, “Damn. That really hurt, but this is important to me and I’m going in again.” – my gut reaction is, “What a badass.”
There are too many people today who instead of feeling hurt are acting out their hurt; instead of acknowledging their pain, they are inflicting pain on others. Rather than risking feeling disappointed, they’re choosing to live disappointed. Emotional stoicism is not badass. Swagger is not badass. Perfection is the furthest thing from badass.
Yes, if we care enough and dare enough, we will experience disappointment. But, in those moments when disappointment is washing over us and we’re desperately trying to wrap our heads and hearts around what is or is not going to be, the death of our expectations can be painful beyond measure. This can make us feel vulnerable and in peril.
Vulnerability feels uncomfortable, and falling hurts. It always will. But, I am learning the process of struggling and navigating the hurt. This has much to offer since there is a process to being brave and showing up. Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.
We, as Americans of the United States of America feel vulnerable. We feel betrayed and damaged. As our newly elected president, Joe Biden stated, “Politics doesn’t have to be a raging fire.” He also pleaded for unity saying, “We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue.”
We need to move forward, NO- We MUST move forward. Because people who wade into discomfort and vulnerability and tell the truth about their stories and feelings are the real badasses.
Kim Duke is a team writer for ellicottvilleNOW and a certified personal trainer/owner of Core Performance Fitness and Training in Ellicottville, NY. Kim resides in Ellicottville where she raised her two sons, Zach and Nik.
