vulnerabilty

Whether I introduce Brené Brown as a cherished and trusted friend (of which she most certainly is) or as an incredibly insightful and authentic author, researcher, and public speaker (all of which are equally true) I would say the exact same thing; that her work and message is really really important.

It seems I'm not the only one who thinks so. If you are already acquainted with Brené then I am not telling you anything you don't already know. If you have yet discover what she is sharing, then today is your lucky day. Not only is Brené's message available in her books and DVD but she can also be found on YouTube of all cool things. I invite you to listen in to one of her TED talks. Yes, I said TED talks. I told you I'm not the only one who thinks she's amazing! She spoke in both Houston and Kansas City on vulnerability and WOW!

Just listen to what Brené says about vulnerability:

"In our culture, vulnerability has become synonymous with weakness and imperfect now means inadequate. We associate vulnerability and imperfection with emotions like fear, shame, and scarcity; emotions that we don’t want to discuss, even when they profoundly affect every aspect of our lives.

To reduce our feelings of vulnerability, we wake up every morning, put on our game face, and rarely take it off - even at home. We use invulnerability as a shield to protect us from uncomfortable emotions and struggles with anxiety and self-doubt. But invulnerability has a price.

Vulnerability is indeed at the core of difficult emotions, but it is also the birthplace of  authenticity, courage, joy, love, belonging, accountability, innovation, inspiration, creativity, and spirituality. When we avoid or shut down vulnerability, we lose access to the experiences that give purpose and meaning to our lives.

  If we want to change the way we live, love, parent, teach, lead organizations, and build communities, we have to start with a conversation about vulnerability and imperfection - this is where our story begins."

- Brené Brown

With our celebration of imperfection this month, we are courageously telling our authentic stories. I'm so proud of us.

Today, lets share our vulnerable sides. We would love to see your images of tenderness, imperfection, and the poetry of vulnerability.

We are delighted to be giving away 2 two book/dvd sets (including the new book The Gifts of Imperfection, another gem, I thought It Was Just Me, and the awesome Hustle for Worthiness DVD) all from the amazing Brené Brown. All you have to do is leave a comment here between now and Saturday midnight EST to be included in the random drawing.

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Congrats to Jet and GwynnieB ; winners of this fab giveaway from Brene Brown!!

Comments

[Marcela]

I want it , I want it ... I think that's my vulnerability.... impatience : (

It could lead you to miss pretty moments.

[Jade Sheldon]

Because of my troubles with trying hard to be a perfectionist, I am constantly feeling vulnerable. Growing up, I never felt like what I did was good enough. I met my fiance though and he taught me a lot about relaxing and loving who you are.

[Gwynnie B]

Without quirkiness, vulnerability, bad hair days, eccentric neighbors, or burnt popcorn, life would be boring, and oh too perfect. I embrace imperfections and that's just perfect with me!!!

[Katrin]

I just listened to her at u tube and i am deeply touched!

[Trude]

I definitely agree with what Brene says, and work towards getting rid of those old, silly associations every day. I was taught to be strong, to be tough, and took that lesson a little bit too much to heart! Feeling very grateful that I'm with someone who encourages me to be vulnerable, and to let people see it. This image, for me, expresses that a bit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/trudem/4928519270/in/photostream/

[Ann]

I love this discussion, and the images. Thank you.

[Diane]

I would love to read more...

[bridge]

the fine art of accepting what is not perfect! I love.

[kristal]

Feeling very vulnerable recently. Needed to read this right now. Thanks!

[Brown]

I was privileged to be part Brene Brown's webinar this past Sunday night. Her work is important both in the field of addictions but in general.

[Susan]

oops, misposted but I am NOT ashamed, just vulnerable. I was privileged to be a part of Brene Brown's webinar this past Sunday night. Her work is important both in the field of addictions and in general.
Susan

[laurie hausler]

I very much enjoyed the video - I am so inspired by Dr. Brown's work! Thanks for the chance to win.

[Rachelle]

I'm already a Brene fan and would love to read her books!!

[beth]

i wouldn't miss the chance to win such an incredible gift....
as a new member of the "i'm an empty nester, now what" club....
this would be such an amazing, feel good, your life iis just beginning gift :)

[Nikki]

Great giveaway! :)

[Wendy]

I have never posted on here before, but I love all the comments-what a great group of women you all here! Here's to all of us!!!!

[michelle]

Ah...yes. Vulnerability and authenticity...can't thank Brene enough for helping me embrace and fear not - all of my imperfections :) I can recognize more often now when I am feeling vulnerable and can be so much more gentle with myself because of this... Life is less scary and more of an adventure! Thank you Brene for the gifts of a lifetime (and beyond!).

[Fourth Breakfast]

Heard Brene speak while she was out in the SF Bay Area. It was good to hear her validate that my own winding journey to myself is worth the tough times and the befuddlement of onlookers.

[Becky R.]

Vulnerability. I know that word all to well. When I was bullied in school, I put up an invisible wall. I wouldn't do anything out of the ordinary because I was to afraid of what other people thought. Now my vulnerability is shown in my photos. I won't usually show anything that is unsual, morbid, or taboo. God himself knows that I have plenty of those.

And imperfection. I really feel that if you don't like what you see, too bad. Deal with it. However, if with photos and my strive to learn more, my imperfections can be perfect if I keep at it.
Example: I followed a squirrel in a cemetery for that perfect shot.
I saw the squirrel, shot it with the camera, and I wasn't happy with it. http://flic.kr/p/8MbQXv
Then I tried again. http://flic.kr/p/8MeTBo Ok, it is cute but I'm STILL not happy with it. In my eyes, it wasn't perfect.
So I tried another time. http://flic.kr/p/8MbQog
Yet another: http://flic.kr/p/8MbQ8V
http://flic.kr/p/8MeSR1 I'm about ready to give up. Then I saw him climb up a tree and I got this: http://flic.kr/p/8KEYtj

[Abbie]

I love her blog and would love to win the books and DVD

[Kristi]

This book looks amazing and inspiring and a perfect fit for my life right now. I need something that helps me embrace the imperfect perfection in me. Thanks for the opportunity to be inspired!

[Jennifer]

Thank you for the words and the links... I would love to read and hear more of this brilliance!

[Jeri]

If there were such a thing as cautious vulnerability I'd take it. There isn't. Being vulnerable means taking risks. But when those risks return long-lasting friendships, life long love, beauty from ashes, and watching your adult sons succeed even in faiilture (as you stayed out of it) - it's worth the vulnerability.

I love what's posted above. It's so beautiful. Thank youl

[Sarah S.]

Vulnerability.....the birthplace of courage......wow the words ring so true....thanks for sharing

[mama_marathoner]

I've just recently been introduced to Brene's work by a friend's random post on FB. I'm so happy I found her! So far, I've really liked what I've seen, and can't wait to get the books!

[Therese DeMare]

I believe my Creator lead me to Brene Brown on u tube. I was so excited when I saw her on video that I posted it to my facebook. I am a third year student in social work and am currently taking research methods and enjoying it. I will be telling eveyone that I know about her video. I ran out yesterday and bought her book " The gift of Imperfection." I have been a perfectionaist all of my life and really am looking foreward to reading it. Thank you Brene Brown. I love you already. Terrie

[Expressions]

Happened to run across "Expressive Photography" last week, couldn't stop thinking about it, so ended up ordering if from Amazon.com. Also took advantage of their Frequently Bought Together option, which includes "The Gifts of Imperfection". Now, after reading this post, I am even more excited to receive my order! And I'm looking forward to perusing your site further. Best wishes!

[AnnGeeDee]

I have thorougly enjoyed her TED talks and I think eveyone should listen to her speak.

[Selenatx]

I recently discovered Brene's new book and loved it!!! It has really spoken to my heart and mind. She's the bomb!!!

[Heather Larson]

What a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the true gifts of being honest with yourself and others - the gift if imperfection. Thank you! I love your and Brene's blogs.

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