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Sharing Vulnerability (If such a thing is even possible)

18 March

I have recently discovered Brene Brown via a TED talk that she did about vulnerability. Now I am “in love” – but like many others who fall in love, I am also prey to jealously and envy.

On one hand, I want Brene to be my new best friend – I seem to agree with everything that comes out of her mouth. “She gets me”. But on the other, somewhat less perfect hand, I wish I WERE Brene. She is saying everything that I have been trying to say for so long..and to a much larger audience. She has a beautifully engaging website, a great Twitter following, lots of Friends on Facebook, two books and high paying speaking engagements.

This feeling of “not good enough” is a familiar block for me. I run into someone that is slightly smarter, more experienced, prettier, richer or otherwise better-er and I get stuck in my own mud. The urge to give up because someone is already doing it better than me is strong.

Yet, isn’t this what the whole enchilada is all about? Noticing these blocks and then taking yet one more step forward? Without these challenges, would we ever stretch and grow at all?

I want to share a quote from Brene Brown’s website, not because she is necessarily saying it any better, but because she is saying it and it is spot on!

Authenticity is a daily practice

Choosing authenticity means cultivating the courage to be imperfect, to set boundaries, and allow ourselves to be vulnerable, exercising the compassion that comes from knowing that we are all made of strength and struggle and connected to each other through a loving and resilient human spirit; nurturing the connection and sense of belonging that can only happen when we let go of what we are supposed to be and embrace who we are.

Authenticity demands WHOLEHEARTED living and loving – even when it’s hard, even when we’re wrestling with the shame and fear of not being good enough, and especially when the joy is so intense that we’re afraid to let ourselves feel it.

Mindfully practicing authenticity during our most soul-searching struggles is how we invite GRACE, JOY and GRATITUDE into our lives.
-Brene Brown 2009

Here is the link to her TED Talk as well.
http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability.html

2 Responses to “Sharing Vulnerability (If such a thing is even possible)”

  1. Ani Tuzman March 19, 2011 at 3:38 am #

    This comment has been removed by the author.

  2. Ani Tuzman March 19, 2011 at 3:56 am #

    Hi Nogie. I thank you for modeling what Brene was talking about by sharing your experience so honestly and transparently!

    Two more things: First, I find you a wonderful, thorough teacher with immense integrity. Second: how do/did you get over the hump? I am so grateful you named it so clearly!I have been experiencing this in a major way recently. Would you share how you got/get unstuck when comparing yourself?

    (Going through this recently, I have been doing whatever helps ,e.g., meditation, journaling, walks in nature, etc. to help me realign with my Self, trying to find my way back to me and appreciating my gifts as they are. Sometimes this requires a leap of faith: trust that I was created to be me, perfect imperfections and all.)

    Thank you for all you are creating and offering.

    March 18, 2011 8:38 PM