“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.” – BrenĂ© Brown
Each and every one of us has vulnerabilities – it is what makes us human. It is not brave to hide our vulnerabilities, but to accept them. Despite our limitations, we can press on, we can survive and we can overcome. It may take courage to accept that we are vulnerable, but unless we do, we remain stuck in destructive situations, and abusive relationships.
Abusive partners use this vulnerability to exploit. They can try and control their partners to believe that they have no strength: that they are trapped; that they need the abusive partner to provide for them, or they will end up on the street.
But that is a lie.
The true chains in an abusive relationship is not money. It is not even the physical strength of the abuser. It is fear.
You can challenge your fears and start breaking free from the chains imposed by your partner, by first admitting that you are vulnerable. Speak out, ask for help, raise your voice. If you feel financially stuck, reach out to the support offered by the company, reach out to friends, family or a trusted colleague. If you can’t yet pay for your own rent, buy your own food or afford to live by yourself, it’s okay! It is not your fault; you can create a path towards financial freedom. But you cannot do it alone.
Once you take the courageous step of admitting that you need help, you can start planning your way towards financial independence. When you think about money, it may feel like you are staring up a high mountain, where you cannot see the top. Just breathe! Turn your gaze down to the next step, and the next step. A mountain is scaled one foot at a time. An elephant can be eaten one bite at a time.
Start small, with just one step. Explore the support being offered by the company, find out how to ask for the help being offered and go ahead and ask. Don’t let the fear get the better of you. Breathe deeply, summon all the courage and call. People are waiting to hear from you. Actually, they really want to hear from you.
All it takes is the willingness to be vulnerable, the courage to ask for help, the patience to take it one-day-at-a-time and soon you can stand on your own two feet: financially free, and more empowered than you could ever imagine!