Vulnerability

Of course, the moment I pressed "publish" on my first post, I felt incredibly nervous. Why did I think I could write a blog on grief and gratitude? Why would anyone be interested in reading my words?  Unlike my previous blog, The Book Nosher,  where I reviewed children's books, this seems so much more difficult and open-ended. In a nutshell, I felt incredibly vulnerable.

So it was quite serendipitous that about an hour later, I came across a brand new Brené Brown TED talk. This one is entitled Listening to Shame. For those of you who don't know who Brené Brown is, she's a research professor at the University of Houston who has spent the last decade studying vulnerability, courage, authenticity and shame. She's written a number of books and is a sought after speaker. She poses thought-provoking questions like:

"How do we learn to embrace our vulnerabilities and imperfections so that we can engage in our lives from a place of authenticity and worthiness? How do we cultivate the courage, compassion, and connection that we need to recognize that we are enough-that we are worthy of love, belonging and joy."

This newest TED talk of hers spoke directly to me when she said "vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change." When I heard those words, I realized that I was doing the right thing by starting this blog.  How else can one move forward and create something new if you don't step out of your comfort zone and try and bring your ideas to fruition? By embracing my vulnerability and making my journey public, I hope to find other kindred spirits along the way.

I then decided to go back and watch Brené's first TED talk called The Power of Vulnerability. Wow! I loved it back when I first saw it, and I think I love it even more now. It's all about vulnerability and how whole-hearted people embrace it because they know it's a necessary part of life. She talks about how people who have a strong sense of worthiness,  love and belonging feel connected, and connection is what gives purpose to our lives. I've thought a lot about connection in the months since Matthew died, and hope to do a future post or two about the role it's played in my own life. I think it has to be one of the single most important things that has helped me get through the darkest moment of my life. More on that at a later post. 

My hope with this blog is to share things I come across that fill me with gratitude.  Whether it's a conversation with someone in the grocery store, a poem that hits me just right, an inspiring TED talk, or "beach art," I will try to keep it interesting and hope that you, too, will see the beauty in the small things that make our lives unique. 

Heart-shaped seaweed at the beach in La Push, WA

So today I am very grateful to Brené Brown and her two TED talks. They're each about 20 minutes long, and I think you'll glean much from her wise words (and sharp sense of humor!).  Her first TED talk is called The Power of Vulnerability ,  and her latest TED talk is Listening to Shame.  Enjoy!