I embrace being vulnerable almost every day. Why? Because I find that when I am vulnerable, my eyes are wide open to discovering, learning, and growing. When I stay in that safe place, that comfy cozy spot, I see myself becoming guarded, cynical and even closed minded. Being vulnerable can be as simple as trying something new and even something small.
Recently I thought I would make some homemade stuffed mushrooms and I completely forgot to purchase one of the main ingredients from my recipe, the green peppers. We all know that bonehead moment of walking in the door after a long day, placing the bags on the counter, and realizing you forgot one of the main ingredients! Uggghhh. But when I realized I didn’t have all that I needed, I thought, maybe I do. So, I opened the fridge and took a good look around. Apples, hmmm I wonder how these apples would taste in this stuffed mushroom recipe? The mushrooms tasted so good, in fact, unbelievably good, that now, this is the recipe.
So being vulnerable made me challenge myself. It was not monumental by any stretch, but a significant metaphor. When I became vulnerable to trying something new, I then became open to judgment, ridicule and indeed, criticism. Things we entrepreneurs have to eat all too often. But, had I not been open to putting myself in this vulnerable position, of trying something out, I would have missed out on creating this new masterpiece, apple stuffed mushrooms. (Insert your own masterpiece here)
We all know that everything we do is a choice. Even to do nothing and make no decision at all, is a choice. And I would rather be making decisions, even if some of them aren’t very edible. I would rather choose to be open to fresh and new perspectives, whether they turn out to be recipes for disaster or hopefully, unbelievably delicious treasures, well worth consuming.
Fearless determination is the name of my restaurant. And hope is my resourceful companion. I do know that hope and fear cannot co-exist, and I am not one to live in bountiful fear. But fear does appear on my menu every now and again. If I want to diminish the bitter taste of that fear, I know I have to add more of the ingredient hope. I might be vulnerable when I make a not so popular decision, but hope can literally keep me from falling into the dreaded bowl of indecision or contentment, two distinct courses not suitable for any entrepreneur’s plate. I would much rather simmer my mind in the aroma of hope. (Insert your dinner prayer) Amen, and would you please pass the hope?
As an entrepreneur and business owner, I believe we have to follow our own instincts, and sometimes make those not so tasty decisions. We need to take the recipes of our businesses and tweak them until we do create our own treasures worth sharing. Our instincts are what can potentially guide us to creating a magnificent recipe for all to devour. So, I sit happy in my vulnerable world, making decisions & choices and stuffing myself with hopefully what will someday lead to a wonderful masterpiece. Salute!