Calm in the Chaos - Tips for a Better Life
Courage: Authenticity + Vulnerability = Fulfillment
by Jamie Spannhake
February 03, 2020
I was asked at a recent author talk and book signing, "What do you think your follow-up book will be about?" What a great question. Honestly, I hadn't thought much about a follow-up book until that question. I thought about it, and my answer surprised me:
"I think it will be about courage. How it can be scary, but authenticity and vulnerability can lead to our greatest sense of fulfillment in life."
I think that's true. In her books, Brene Brown talks about this a lot: the power or vulnerability. Scary, but oh so important. When we embrace who we are and share it with people in a way that welcomes them into our lives and experiences, we can make a difference in their lives, and in ours.
At my last book talk, the group was smaller than usual, but so engaged and connected. I let them into my real thoughts and fears, my failures and successes, and the connection grew. Based upon their comments and questions, I could tell that I was making a difference in their lives.
It can be scary to be real. It can be scary to not have all the answers. It can be scary to admit that we don't always live our best life every day. But in that truth, we connect with others who also are not perfect. And we give them -- and ourselves -- the permission to try, to grow, to not be perfect, and to continue enjoying our days even when we want them to improve.
Be courageous. Be real. Be you.
Photo by Lindsey Victoria Photography
0 comments