Most of us avoid this feeling.  We prefer to be comfortable and surrounded with people and places that are known to us.  The familiar does have its benefits.  However, in order for us to reach a greater potential, we need to journey outside of our comforts and be vulnerable.  Yes, that does mean that we might be scared or that we could inadvertently put ourselves in harm’s way.  Yet it also means that we could learn some news about ourself, such as a greater capacity for something.  For example, hiking a mountain might make me vulnerable to a variety of physical problems (e.g., sprained ankle, broken limb, altitude sickness) and it also places me in positive “risk” for feeling an amazing set of accomplishments (e.g., pride in making it to the top of the mountain, awe in what the body is capable of doing, breaking down previously-held assumptions related to sleeping on a mountain in a tent and sleeping bag!).  Certainly, we can take strides to reduce feeling too overwhelmed by involving trusted persons and planning methodical steps (not too large, not too little) in our changes.  Yet in order for the change to happen, it is not possible to completely avoid feeling vulnerable.  See what you can do to make a change and embrace the daring side of you, and navigate that vulnerability with confidence and style!