I would highly encourage everyone to add to the top of their nightstand reading list Brene Brown’s Daring Greatly. This little book (almost) single-handedly emboldened me to believe that I could start this little project — my writing studio. (There was also the case of the insanely supportive husband at work too!) If you’re unsure if this book would even apply to you, it does — take this little nugget for instance:
Daring greatly is not about winning or losing. It’s about courage. In a world where scarcity and shame dominate and feeling afraid has become second nature, vulnerability is subversive. Uncomfortable. It’s even a little dangerous at times. And, without question, putting ourselves out there means there’s a far greater risk of feeling hurt. But as I look back on my own life and what Daring Greatly has meant to me, I can honestly say that nothing is as uncomfortable, dangerous, and hurtful as believing that I am standing on the outside of my life looking in and wondering what it would be like if I had the courage to show up and let myself be seen. ~ Brene Brown, Daring Greatly
It’s been so difficult to even attempt to “let myself be seen” — but I believe in what I’m doing and believe in the method that I facilitate. I believe that I can live an authentic life and encourage others to do so by writing in their original, unique voice. So, here I am, showing up — daring greatly.
beautiful… yes, authentic living has been on my heart now for about five years. writing gives me permission to peek at the “real” me in a safe, non-vulnerable (to others anyway) way. and yes, stepping out to tell the parts that I want to tell takes courage. the love and support of others also helped me start my blog (your picture of flying out into Lake Michigan is so perfect), and I found a new relationship with the dis-interest (silence) of others and imperfectness of me. So much more to do, discover, reveal, hide!, and share that I welcome your workshop!
Oh thanks for this! I needed to hear it today 🙂 xx