emily lynch

vul·ner·a·ble  adj.
1. a. Susceptible to physical or emotional injury b. Susceptible to attack c. Open to censure or criticism; assailable 

Vulnerability. It seems like such a simple concept, but in reality, it might be the one thing we are all terrified of. But, just like with anything else, we often find the most reward when we reach a place with someone (or even ourselves) where we are completely honest and vulnerable. 

I was a Communications major in college and we used to always talk about self-disclosure. It’s common sense basically, but the concept is that when you open up more about yourself to someone else and he/she opens up to you, the connection in your relationship becomes stronger. Obviously, there is risk involved. Maybe you open up to him and he doesn’t like what he sees and he leaves. You’re left questioning everything about yourself. The beautiful, strong, independent girl becomes insecure, needy and desperate. You lose your self-confidence, shut down and become afraid of messing up or losing again. 

On the other hand, you might open up and find a closer connection with someone that you never thought you could find. You might enter a new level of intimacy and trust. You might gain more confidence and fulfillment through your relationship because you know another person has seen the worst parts of you….and he is still around. That’s the reward. 

In songwriting, authenticity is always something I’m striving for. I think that is the best way to communicate a story or a feeling—-telling it exactly how it is with all of the vulnerability in the world. The Truth will set you free, right? Absolutely! I believe that with all my heart. Of course, people might not like what I have to say, or they might not care. That’s the worst. BUT, it’s the songs and the moments when I am completely vulnerable and someone in the audience CONNECTS that makes it all worth it. They connect with me. They understand and feel emotion, just as I do when I sing. They have a REAL experience and connect the dots to something specific in their lives. 

It’s a beautiful thing. Although it’s difficult to achieve sometimes, vulnerability can be the turning point in your life. In your relationships. In your songs. 

We all have junk. We have skeletons in our closet that we constantly try to hide. But when it’s all said and done, faking that everything is okay is just a waste. We are just a bunch of little sheep in this world, living and breathing and dealing. Why can’t we just talk about it? Maybe it would make us feel better. It’s already been proven that it will make us feel closer.