The positive ripple effect of vulnerability

Over the last month or so, my husband Ron had been unusually forgetful. While having a sharp memory has never been his forte, I noticed it had gotten worse. Among other things, he missed an appointment, forgot to lock our shed one night, and even left the hose running while filling our pool — only for me to wake up the next day to a soaked lanai and a flooded pool. Eek!

After noticing a pattern, I asked him what was going on. I wanted to know if he was stressed, worried, or what — and most importantly, how I could help. He told me he was just burnt out and assured me everything was fine. I checked in with him again over the next few days: “How are you doing? Do you need anything?” His response stayed the same — “I’m good. Just working on finding balance.”

I was carrying some frustration and bewilderment, but nothing else concerning came up, so I let it be. After all, we all go through rough patches.

A few weeks later, I got vulnerable and opened up to Ron about wanting more intimate time with him. In some ways, I had felt forgotten too. He hadn’t been sparking intimate time with me — be it romantically or just leaning in to have deep and meaningful conversations or making sure we connected like we like to — through a game of Scrabble or something else. I shared that I had been carrying some sadness and loneliness and I had woken up that morning with the need to have a good cry, because my emotions felt so heavy.

That was when Ron truly opened up to me. He confessed that his forgetfulness — whether it was the hose in the pool or my emotional needs — was about something deeper. He vulnerably shared that he had been worrying a lot lately and that it was taking a toll on him. He was concerned about his elderly father, who has been navigating health issues, and about his own health. Turning 50 this year had weighed on him, bringing a lot of emotions to the surface. He shared other concerns and worries in his life, and we ended up having a beautiful conversation that unfolded throughout the days as we picked it up at different moments.

By the end of the week, we felt lighter and more connected to each other than we had in weeks. Coming together and sharing our deep feelings created a newfound attentiveness toward each other — something we are both so grateful for. And that conversation was exactly the kind of intimacy I needed to feel whole in our relationship again. To feel seen.

While things aren’t perfect (what marriage or relationship is?), we are now in a place of being softer with each other and more aware of each other’s needs. It’s been really nice. And I am doing more to help Ron remember things and am trying not to add as much to his plate. While Ron has worked to show me that he remembers me — a quick touch of the arm in bed, a comment that makes me feel special.

I wanted to share this story with you in hopes that it encourages you to reflect on areas where you could open up to someone special in your life — a child, a friend, a coworker, or a partner. Just like in Ron and I’s story – you opening up could create a beautiful ripple effect in others opening up too. Too often, we keep things bottled up. We don’t want to be a burden, ruffle feathers, or risk being misunderstood or ignored. Those are all possibilities, of course — but the risk is worth the reward. What if something special happens? What if, by releasing that heavy energy you’re storing, you become lighter and create a safe space for others to share and release as well?

So, who can you get deep and real with? If it calls to you, send me a note. I’d love to hear from you.

And thank you sincerely for reading and considering my words, and for taking the time to reflect on them. Your willingness to work on yourself and contribute to making the world a better place is truly inspiring. And to my incredible husband Ron – thank you for not only opening up to me and sharing your vulnerability but also supporting me in capturing our story here in this newsletter, to create an even bigger ripple effect. I love you.


Onwards!

Sincerely,
Dr. Danielle Clark | Psychic Medium
drdanielleclark.com 
 

PS – Here’s an affirmation to help empower you to be authentic and open up, “Honoring myself is a gift to both myself and those around me. When I am vulnerable, I soften denser energies, leaving more room for love and light.”

PPS – Would you like to explore the concept of vulnerability further? If so, find a quiet space, close your eyes, and grab your journal. Our bodies often hold clues about where we are storing resistance—opposing vulnerability, like judgment and fear. Take a few minutes to reflect on certain people or places in your life: your son, your workplace, your dog, your best friend from college.

As you sit with these thoughts, pay attention to any changes in your energy. Do you feel relaxed when thinking about your dog, but tense and stiff when thinking about your workplace? If so, there may be dense energy that needs to be worked through. Often, vulnerability is the key to lightening this load.

Consider how you could bring more vulnerability into your life to create flow. Perhaps at work, it’s about dressing in a way that truly reflects who you are, rather than trying to keep up with others. Or perhaps having a tough but necessary conversation with your boss about your workload. 

By embracing vulnerability, you make space for authenticity, connection, and healing. Every step you take toward being real with yourself and others creates a ripple effect, spreading light and love in ways you may not even realize.

Author: Danielle Clark

Dr. Danielle Clark is a witty heart-centered millennial. She wears many hats in this beautiful + crazy thing we call life. She is a proud wife, and cat, dog and human mama who works as a psychic medium, intuitive life coach, spiritual teacher and business professor. Dr. Danielle’s life work is focused on helping people heal from self-judgement, trauma and grief so that they can release their suffering and tap into the highest version of themselves. Danielle’s been blessed to do that for herself and that’s why she’s made it her mission to pass along her wisdom to others. Danielle is from just north of Boston. She currently lives in the Tampa Bay area. She believes with a little love, grace and humor anything is possible. She invites you to join her blog Onwards at drdanielleclark.com and to connect with her on social media.

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