I want to be in the arena. I want to be brave with my life. And when we make the choice to dare greatly, we sign up to get our asses kicked. We can choose courage or we can choose comfort, but we can’t have both. Not at the same time. Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage…
Catalog
Brené Brown
Brené Brown (born November 18, 1965) is an American scholar, author, and public speaker, who is currently a research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. Over the last fifteen years she has been involved in research on a range of topics, including vulnerability, courage, shame, and empathy. She is the author of three #1 New York Times bestsellers: The Gifts of Imperfection (2010), Daring Greatly (2012), and Rising Strong (2015). She and her work have been featured on PBS, NPR, TED, and CNN. 2Early life and education Brown was born in San Antonio, Texas and spent a formative period in New Orleans, Louisiana. Brown was baptized in the Episcopal church and then later brought up Catholic. She left the church for two decades, and later returned to it with her husband and children. She completed her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at the University of Texas at Austin in 1995, followed by a Master of Social Work (MSW) in 1996 and Ph.D. from the Graduate College of Social Work at the University of Houston in 2002. 2Career Brown began her career as a research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. Her research focuses on authentic leadership and wholeheartedness in families, schools, and organizations. She presented a 2012 TED talk and two 2010 TEDx talk
People who wade into discomfort and vulnerability and tell the truth about their stories are the real badasses.
When I look at narcissism through the vulnerability lens, I see the shame-based fear of being ordinary. I see the fear of never feeling extraordinary enough to be noticed, to be lovable, to belong, or to cultivate a sense of purpose.
What almost no one understands is how every level of severity in this diagnosis is underpinned by shame. Which means we don’t “fix it” by cutting people down to size and reminding folks of their inadequacies and smallness. Shame is more likely to be the cause of these behaviors, not the cure.
Connection is why we’re here. We are hardwired to connect with others, it’s what gives purpose and meaning to our lives, and without it there is suffering.
Vulnerability is not weakness, and the uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure we face every day are not optional.
We all want love, but we’re terrified to be seen and to see people because joy is the most vulnerable of all human emotions.
We all want love, but we’re terrified to be seen and to see people because joy is the most vulnerable of all human emotions.
At the center of vulnerability, we find shame, fear, grief, anxiety, uncertainty, scarcity, but this also the birthplace of love belong and joy.
At the center of vulnerability, we find shame, fear, grief, anxiety, uncertainty, scarcity, but this also the birthplace of love belong and joy.
Vulnerability is having the courage to show up when you can’t control the outcome.
Vulnerability is having the courage to show up when you can’t control the outcome.
Show up and be seen because you’re worth it.
Show up and be seen because you’re worth it.
To love is to be vulnerable.
To love is to be vulnerable.