Ep 11 | Vulnerability | How Do We Let Ourselves Be Loved in the Middle of the Mess?

Written By Courtney Koester

Some experiences are deeply personal, yet not meant to be carried in isolation. In this episode, I explore the tender space between needing others and recognizing that some emotional journeys can only be walked from within. This conversation wrestles with the complexity of grief, overwhelm, and self-protection, while gently inviting compassionate curiosity as a pathway back to connection. Through themes of vulnerability, nervous system regulation, and parts work, this episode holds space for the paradox that while no one can walk your path for you, you don’t have to walk it alone.

Key Topics Discussed:

0:00:00 – Welcome

0:00:22 – The Tenderness of This Question

0:01:28 – Needing Others vs. Walking Alone

0:03:50 – The Desire to Unburden Others

0:05:28 – Letting People In Without Being Saved

0:07:43 – Vulnerability, Judgment, and Discernment

0:09:52 – The Grief Journey We Can’t Skip

0:13:43 – Spaciousness vs. Fear-Based Distance

0:15:31 – The Language of Distance and Intimacy

0:18:25 – When Vulnerability Feels Impossible

0:21:47 – We Are Meant to Heal Together

0:24:09 – Finding Safety in Relationship

0:27:01 – Parts Work and Internal Compassion

0:30:51 – Letting Ourselves Be Loved

0:33:06 – Inviting Intimacy with Self and Others

0:35:07 – Closing Reflections and Gratitude

Share Your Voice

What questions are you currently living into? What’s been on your heart or mind—something you’re navigating, exploring, or trying to make sense of in your life? I’d love to hear from you. Leave a voice message at the link below, and your question might be featured on a future episode of Living the Questions. Let’s create a space for open, thoughtful conversation together. Leave a message here: https://www.speakpipe.com/LivingTheQuestions

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Feeling the pull to explore something more deeply? These 1:1 conversation sessions are a space to bring your questions, challenges, or curiosities and be met with presence and care. Whether you’re seeking clarity, support, or simply room to reflect, we’ll journey through it together. Learn more + book a session: https://www.ckoesterinspired.com/conversation-sessions

Ready to take these conversations deeper?

Living the Questions isn’t just about exploring big ideas — it’s about living them. If you’re craving a space to untangle what’s true for you, witness + relate differently with old patterns, and step into a more aligned, embodied way of being, my Rehumanizing YOU coaching offerings might be your next step.

This is a space for deep inquiry, integration, and transformation — where we invite curiosity to become clarity and insight to alchemize into action.

Curious? Let’s explore together: ⁠https://www.ckoesterinspired.com/coaching-offerings⁠

Resources:


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Courtney Koester https://www.ckoesterinspired.com
Next

Ep 10 | Spaciousness | Are You Creating Space or Just Creating Distance?