Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown

Researcher and thought-leader Dr Brene Brown offers a powerful new vision that encourages is to dare greatly: to embrace vulnerability and imperfection, to live wholeheartedly, and to courageously engage in our lives.

What an engaging book about a cringe-y topic. Brené argues for becoming willing to be vulnerable so you can show up with your whole self to your life. She breaks down the difference between shame - I am bad - and guilt - I have done a bad thing - and how shame is toxic but guilt can be something we build on.

I'm going to go watch her TED talk now.

After watching Browns Ted talks and hearing a number of recommendations, I knew I had to check out her books. Browns openness sets a tone for the reader, staying vulnerable and staying curious on how she can adapt. The core concept of the book - that embracing vulnerability is a path towards many things is best conveyed by one line from the book:

“Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.”

I really enjoyed this book. Brene Brown's thoughts on Shame and Vulnerability really resonated with me

This is not a binge read that you sit down to finish in one sitting, this is a book that is consumed slowly, it is filling and requires time to digest. It made me have many uncomfortable moments of introspection and because of that I would read it between other books, I would pick it up when I felt brave enough to have those moments because I needed to read the words and think on them. I highlighted so many paragraphs, sometimes whole pages in my ebook that i know i need to get a physical copy and mark it up. This is a book I want to revisit over and over. Everyone should read this.