Welcome to EQ Oasis
Welcome to this special edition of the EQ Oasis Newsletter, where we journey into the heart of emotional intelligence, self-discovery, and healing.
This week’s theme, The Power of Vulnerability, is a deeply personal one for me. Vulnerability has often been misunderstood as a weakness, a crack in our armor that must be patched or hidden. But in truth, vulnerability is where our power lies.
It’s in those moments when we dare to show up authentically—without the mask, without the defenses—that we connect with others, with ourselves, and with life in the most meaningful ways.
Vulnerability isn’t about oversharing or exposing yourself to harm—it’s about giving yourself permission to be human. It’s about embracing the courage to let others see who you truly are and, in doing so, creating space for deeper connection, healing, and growth.
So, let’s begin.
The Journey to Embracing Vulnerability
Do you ever feel like you’re wearing a mask, hiding parts of yourself you fear others won’t understand or accept?
For much of my life, I wore that mask.
Growing up as a highly sensitive child in a world that celebrated toughness, I quickly learned to suppress my emotions. Vulnerability wasn’t seen as a strength; it was a liability. I believed I had to be perfect, composed, and invulnerable to earn love, respect, and belonging.
But beneath the surface, I felt the void. No matter how much I achieved or how hard I worked, I always felt like I wasn’t enough. I sought validation from the outside world, thinking it would fill the emptiness inside.
It wasn’t until my journey through burnout and depression that I realized I had been looking in the wrong places. True healing didn’t come from earning more accolades or checking more boxes—it came from taking off the mask, embracing my imperfections, and reconnecting with my true self.
Understanding the Void: The Struggle with Self-Worth
This feeling of “not being enough” is one of the most pervasive challenges of our time.
Eight in 10 young adults report feeling inadequate, with many tying their sense of self-worth to external validation—likes on social media, career milestones, or material success. (Source: The Independent)
I understand this struggle deeply.
As a child, I often felt out of place, navigating the duality of Arab traditions and Dutch directness. I tried to fit into systems and spaces that didn’t fully accept me. Later, as a young professional, I worked tirelessly to prove my worth through my achievements, hoping they would quiet the voice inside whispering, “You’re not enough.”
But no amount of external success could silence that voice.
The truth is, our worth isn’t something we can earn—it’s something we are born with. Our job isn’t to prove it; it’s to remember it.
The Healing Journey: From Suppression to Self-Acceptance
Healing the wounds of unworthiness requires us to stop running from our emotions and start embracing them.
Here are five steps that helped me reconnect with my self-worth:
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Feel to Heal
Suppressed emotions don’t go away—they fester and grow. The first step in healing is allowing yourself to feel. This might mean crying, journaling, or sitting quietly with your emotions. Let them flow without judgment or a need to fix them.
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Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself. It’s not about excusing harmful behavior—it’s about releasing the grip of anger, shame, or regret that keeps you tethered to the past. Start with self-forgiveness.
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Practice Self-Love
Self-love isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a daily practice. It’s showing up for yourself with kindness, even on the days when you feel undeserving. Gratitude, affirmations, and small acts of self-care can help you build this habit.
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Reconnect with Your Body
Emotions often live in the body as stored tension or trauma. Practices like yoga, sound healing, or even a simple walk in nature can help release this energy and create space for healing.
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Discover Your Essence
Beyond the roles we play and the masks we wear lies our essence—the truest version of ourselves. For me, reconnecting with my essence meant embracing what I love: teaching, sharing my stories, and helping others on their journey.
Reflection Prompts for Embracing Vulnerability
Vulnerability starts with curiosity—about ourselves, our emotions, and the beliefs that shape our lives. These prompts are designed to guide you into deeper self-awareness and encourage you to embrace your authentic self.
Take your time with them. Write your thoughts in a journal or simply reflect in a quiet moment:
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What does vulnerability mean to me?
How has my understanding of vulnerability changed over time?
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What do I fear most about being vulnerable?
What past experiences contribute to this fear?
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What masks have I been wearing to protect myself?
What would it feel like to take them off?
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What might happen if I share my authentic self with others?
How could it change my relationships and my life?
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What empowering beliefs can I adopt about vulnerability?
How can I reframe vulnerability as a strength, not a weakness?
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Who in my life offers a safe space for vulnerability?
How can I nurture those connections?
Poem: The Gift of Vulnerability
They told you to hide the cracks, to patch the seams, to present the world a flawless mask.
They told you to be perfect, to be strong, to never let them see you fall.
But my dear, don’t you see?
The cracks are where the light pours in, the seams are where your story is stitched, and the mask? It was never yours to wear.
Let them see your trembling hands, your unsteady heart, your messy, beautiful truth.
For in your vulnerability lies your courage, and in your courage lies your power.
EQ Vitamins for Vulnerability and Self-Worth
When you feel emotionally depleted, think of EQ Vitamins as nourishment for your soul. These simple affirmations are designed to remind you of your inherent worth and the beauty of embracing your true self.
Daily EQ Vitamins
- I am worthy as I am.
- I embrace my imperfections—they make me unique.
- My vulnerability is my strength.
- I release the need for external validation.
- I am enough, just as I am.
Looking Ahead: Join the EQ Oasis Community
As we continue this journey together, next week we’ll explore “Embracing Change”—how to navigate life’s transitions with grace and courage.
If you’re ready to go deeper, I invite you to join the EQ Oasis Community, a supportive space where we share tools, reflections, and inspiration for emotional resilience and authentic living.
For those just starting, check out my free 6-Day Inner Peace Challenge—a gentle guide to reconnect with your true self.
Final Thoughts: You Are Enough
As you move through the week, let this truth anchor you:
You are enough.
Not because of what you achieve or how others see you, but because of who you are.
Your vulnerability is not a flaw—it’s a gift. It’s what makes you human, what connects you to others, and what allows you to live fully and authentically.
With love & gratitude,
Nadja
P.S. If this edition resonated with you, feel free to share it with someone who might need the reminder that they, too, are enough. 💜
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