“Wholehearted living is about engaging in our lives from a place of worthiness. It mean cultivating the courage, compassion and connection to wake up in the morning and think, ‘No matter what gets done and how much is left undone, I am enough.” It’s going to bed at night thinking, ‘Yes I am imperfect and vulnerable and sometimes afraid, but that doesn’t change the truth that I am also brave and worthy of love and belonging.’”
Just last week I wanted to talk with someone about an idea I had. At first I was excited but then the self-doubts crept in – What if he laughed? What if they thought it was a dumb idea? I am not really worthy of this and why should they want me?
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.
The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again,
because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement,
and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
How has being vulnerable helped you to find courage in life?
Thanks for coming over from SITS> Isn’t that a great list of blogs? Glad you liked the post. Google Brene’s TED talks. I bet you will like them. Glad we connected today
The word STRETCH came to me during the night. Which was odd since I rarely remember dreams and things I think of then but this one stayed with me. Could be a scary word but once I realized it wasn’t fear, but vulnerability, it all changed. Thanks for stopping by today
HI Tracie. Thanks for commenting. I really enjoy Brene’s writing.
Thanks for coming over from SITS. Isn’t that a great list?
What a beautiful post and just what I need to read/hear this morning. God always leads me to the places and people I need to connect with to make changes in my life. I will definitely order this book as soon as possible. Fear has held me back in the past, and at times I overcome….I have become stronger due to my Faith, but I will have a very long way to go.
Thanks so much for this!
All the best,
Jeanine
This will make a great read for my strenth challenge. Also, I love your word – stretch. I’m jotting that one down for next year.
I read this book last year, and it was SO good. In fact, I think I will pull it out again for a re-read.
What a great word to challenge me to keep on keepin’ on to overcome fear. Can’t wait to read more. Happy SITS ShareFest!
Hi Dolly, I just saw you tweeted last night but I taught last night and have been in and out most of today. Looking forward to staying home tomorrow. I haven’t read other than excerpts Brene other books but once I reframed my situation as feeling vulnerable, I felt empowered and less fearful. It was an amazing differences. Praying you have a delightful faithfilled weekend!
Nancy, I sense you and I are on the same spiritual path. Once I reframed my situation as feeling vulnerable there was less fear. I really amazed and empowered me. new experience for me. I hope this helps you too, dear friend.
love the Brene Brown book on imperfections and her new one sounds wonderful also…Congrats on not giving into fear and on the possibility of a new adventure, Jean 🙂
Your definition of vulnerability gives this word a new twist: “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it is engaging and taking part in life. It is embracing the risk and the emotional exposure we face every day not as options but as a way of living.” That means: Get out there! Give God the chance to do something spectacular! Sitting on the sidelines just won’t do. Because of this post, Jean, my head is up, and my courage is buoyed to press on!
Thanks I will try to link up again.
Thanks for linking up, Jean! Please come back next week for our Monday Morning Meditation!
Hi Summer, I lived in Bucyrus for nine years so know Ashland area very well. I am in NW Ohio now. Healed enough to be vulnerable – that is a great line. Thanks for commenting today!
Hi Mia, I like your definition of daring greatly. It does takes a long time to let go of our meager attachments we cling to and jump into our Father’s arms but how sweet it is when we leap
I really enjoyed the book Mary. It has a separate chapter for parents and leaders too. Check out her you tube videos, very interesting.
Hi Jean,
I always enjoy my visits to your “place.” I’m coming over from soli deo gloria sisterhood. Yes, vulnerability has been one of the most important words of my ministry at my Anglican church. I’ve healed and learned and then taught from Terry Wardle’s inner healing prayer teaching at Ashland, OH seminary…healed enough to be vulnerable.
Summer Gross
Hi Jean
Daring greatly for me meant being totally open and honest to our Pappa God. It took me quite a leap into the unknown to do that, but the reward is so great!
Much love
Mia
What you’ve just shared from this book hit me right where I needed it. Ordering now!