Shame and Vulnerability

 

I love Ted Talks.  I mean I really love them.  Super love them.  You get the idea.  My current favorite is Brene Brown’a talk on Shame and vulnerability.  I listened to it three times, so far.  And I’m now half way through her book, Darling Greatly.  She has a new book coming out in 8 days, Rising Strong. Not that I am counting.  What has caused my sudden and swift love for Brene and her work?  I’m glad you asked.

I want to live wholehearted.  And she claims to have the answer to do that.  She has spent years researching shame and is now sharing her work with us.  I find her book to be engaging, funny and super interesting.  Much of what she says just makes sense.  After spending a few hours with my nose in her book, I see the difference between shame (I am not good enough) and guilt (what I did was bad).  I am sad for all the time I’ve lost and others lose because of shame. The good news is that shame is disarmed when it is brought to light.  Talking about it and addressing it helps destroy its influence on our lives.  That’s where vulnerability comes in. Brene says, “Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.”

Writing requires vulnerability.  Author Graham Storrs says,  “Being a writer is like standing naked in the High Street hoping people won’t find you ridiculous.” I couldn’t agree more with you, Graham. Traveling requires vulnerability.  Being in unfamiliar cultures, away from familiar routines and schedules and meeting new people all leaves us feeling vulnerable.  To truly live you have to be willing to truly live.

Anyway, check out the Ted Talk and if it strikes a chord with you, check out her into her books.  If you do, leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts.