(O) Openness - The 4 Pillars Of Openness

Discover the 4 Pillars of Openness—self-reflection, authenticity, vulnerability, and change-making—and learn how they can foster healthier relationships and personal growth.

Openness must not be confused for being accepting of anything. For a healthy personal dynamic to be developed, openness must be paired with boundaries.

When both of these elements, openness + boundaries, work in cohesion, we are able to truly become the very best version of ourselves we can be.

For a relationship to survive and thrive, we must allow the person we are with to see who we really are. It might feel tempting to hide away our past. But doing so can mean that we miss out on loving opportunities to bond more deeply. Furthermore, it can break up a relationship in the long term as the other person feels frustrated with being pushed away.

Here are the 4 Pillars of Openness that you need to be aware of:

1. Self-Reflection: Being able to objectively reflect on your past behaviors and actions is central to making lasting positive change in your life. Instead of dwelling on regrets or painful memories, use them to your advantage as informers of how to improve in the future. They are your steppingstones to a brighter, happier future.

2. Authenticity: How you define openness is related to your boundaries and rooted in your perception of what being ‘open’ really means. It can be interpreted as approachability, honesty, open-mindedness, tolerance, sincerity and even your level of friendliness towards new people and situations. How comfortable are you in these areas?

3. Vulnerability: We cannot develop a receptive way of being without allowing ourselves to be vulnerable to some capacity. The two go hand in hand and it is counterintuitive to try and build a healthy new relationship without opening up. If you are in the company of the right person – it will be safe to do so.

4. Change-Making: The fact that you have chosen to read these words highlights the fact that you have already made a conscious decision to make positive change in your life. You are here because you want to build a better future for yourself. Hold on to this power and let it carry you forward as you achieve your goals.

The practice of openness allows new concepts of self-improvement into our lives.

It isn’t always comfortable, but it is always a worthy practice. If you find that you are resistant to change, then look more deeply into the roots of your fears and limitations.

You are an incredible person who has survived every battle you have faced so far. Even on your darker days, you found a way to keep moving forwards. Don’t allow the shadows of your past behaviors or experiences to take away the prospect of a happy future and a potential loving relationship.

Be open and lower those walls to allow room for true happiness to occur!