VULNERABILITY
Artwork: “After It All” by Jenny Perez Art
Unless you've been under a rock the last few weeks, afro-beat superstar Burna Boy's hit song “Last Last” has been on full rotation everywhere. The song which is catchy as hell features a hot sample of Toni Braxton's hit "He Wasn't Man Enough". With over 33 million YouTube views to date, “Last Last” seems to have the whole internet buzzing as people unapologetically fumble Burna’s lyrics. The song blends English as well as the Nigerian superstar’s Yoruba language over each verse. To the surprise of most, this upbeat bop is actually an ode to a recent highly publicized breakup. The main chorus highlights his need for "Igbo and Shayo" slang words for marijuana and alcohol to cope with his heartbreak.*
*I do not own the rights to this media clip.
While pain turned profit isn’t a new agenda, what continues to be a difficult ask of many humans is also the sweet nectar of creativity: vulnerability.
Expressing our feelings through raw honesty might seem like the last thing many of us would do while we’re at some of life’s lowest points. After all, our digital age of video reels and photo filters usually requires a flawless curation of us living our best life. What happens when instead we choose to use our public platforms to share how messy or difficult life can be? The same platforms where our vulnerability can be publicly scrutinized, critiqued, or worse, misinterpreted. The very thought is enough to stifle any creative spark.
On the contrary, what if our vulnerability resonates so deeply that it becomes the catalyst for bridging connections, conversations, and communities?
I was recently encouraged by a friend to publicly share a social media post on a health issue that I’ve kept under wraps for years. Struck by anxiety and the fear of appearing “weak”, I almost deleted the post as soon as it went live. To my surprise, within minutes I garnered an astounding outpouring of support and gratitude from other women who share a similar story. So much so, that I’ve been probed to start a forum where other women can connect and share resources to drive awareness. Being vulnerable with myself and others not only brought mental relief from the weight of dealing with this issue privately, it grew my sense of belonging as I am reminded that I am not alone in my wellness journey.
Whether your vulnerability becomes a ballad, public protest, or a social media post, let this serve as a reminder that beauty can exist in life’s imperfections. How and where you show up for yourself in vulnerability could be the very gift needed to help others feel seen and heard in the constant noise of the world. Value in vulnerability -- now that’s a viral moment!
Enjoyed the artwork featured in this blog? Get to know more about the artist Jenny Perez in her recent ComfiArt interview with Natasha Knows WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW
*Disclaimer: I do not endorse self-medicating via substance use or other means. If you are experiencing a crisis contact the Crisis Text Line to get 24/7 support right at your fingertips. Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime to connect with a live, trained Crisis Counselor.