The power of vulnerability

Five years ago, I was 26 weeks pregnant and at the high-risk unit in Alfredo da Costa's maternity. Unlike all my five roommates, my baby was fine; I was the one whose health was at risk. Since my baby was on the threshold of survival, it was critical to check her vital signs while I was treated.

Since June 2011 my body was showing signs that something was not right. In the midst of my active life, I chose not to pay attention. As the symptoms got worse, I decided to see a doctor. To my surprise, I learned that when the diagnosis is not obvious, we enter into an unknown territory. It is possible to discard potential illnesses, but it is very difficult to get to a conclusion.

As a consequence, I ended up at the hospital, almost unrecognizable and unable to talk or eat. At this point, I understood what vulnerability is and how important is to live one day at a time. During 13 days I put my whole life into perspective, realized what was important to me and who I wanted to become.

I also came across with the true meaning of team spirit and resilience. For 13 days, I lived with several women who were struggling for their babies to survive. While I was there, I never listened to any complaints. No one said that they couldn’t go on. No one said that they would give up. No one said that they wanted to stop a medical procedure. No matter how painful it was, they were always ready to fight.

Also, I realized the meaning of celebration and pain. Each time someone won, we all won. Every time someone lost, we all lost...

Looking back, it was vulnerability that saved me. It didn’t allow my body to give up and helped me to understand that life was much more than what I have experienced so far.

It was also through vulnerability that I learned the essence of leadership. Not to be afraid to say that we have doubts, and still move forward. Not to be afraid to say that we made mistakes, and yet risk. Not to be afraid to say that we fell, and yet we are willing to start over. Not be afraid to say that we are afraid and accept that as part of our human condition.