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tgif + a celebration giveaway
I've really missed TGIF. Why is it that when we get busy (even when it's good busy), the first thing to go is the one thing we need the most: gratitude.
I feel like I have a stockpile of appreciation so, in addition to my TGIF, I want to share this:
1. A huge "thank you" to everyone who has shared in my excitement about The Gifts of Imperfection! It's already in its second printing and that's amazing. The success of this book is due in large part to your tweets, reviews, Facebook and blog posts, and conversations. I'm also so grateful for all of you who come to the events - I know how busy everyone is. I really believe in this little book and I'm so thankful for your support!
Courtesy of Blue Lemon Photo
2. The TEDxHouston talk hit 100,000 views yesterday (on my birthday)! I'm humbled and overwhelmed, but mostly I'm shocked. I had such a HUGE vulnerability hangover after that talk. In fact, when I got home from the event I got in bed and cried my eyes out. I told Steve, "I just told 500 people that I had a breakdown and I told the truth about becoming a researcher so I could outsmart the scary stuff in life." Steve smiled and said, "I bet it was great." Of course, I replied, "Dude, I hope they're not planning on posting that video."
Here's the thing. TEDxHouston was the very first time in my speaking career that the event planners said, "Have fun. Do your thing. We know you'll be awesome." There was no, "Don't talk about shame." No one said, "You can't wear jeans and you can't cuss." No one said, "You can't talk about the hard stuff in life if you want to inspire people." They just said, "We've seen you speak. We like what you do and what you're about. What inspires you will inspire us."
So, to Javier Fadul, Kara Matheny & Tim DeSilva - the curators of TEDxHouston - thank you. Your trust and willingness to be vulnerable fueled my courage. It's a lesson that has already helped me so much as a parent, a teacher and a person just trying to find her way.
My TGIF:
Today,
I'm trusting myself. I just need to remember that in order for me to get in touch with what I really feel and need, I have to get quiet and still. I have to take a break. Slow down. Get off the grid. It's scary to do when there is so much swirling around you, but I'm learning to trust my gut right now.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my work. Thank you to CNN, PBS Parents, TEDxHouston, Psychology Today, TEDxKansas City, NPR,and PBS. There are so many wonderful thinkers, artists, and writers out there who are constantly struggling to find a way to share their gifts with the world. I spent years just trying to get one article into the paper. That's actually why I started blogging. I don't ever want to take these new opportunities for granted. I hope I'm contributing something valuable to the conversation.
I'm inspired by my family. I'm counting down the days until we are all together for the holidays. I can't wait to bake cookies, play football, argue about politics, and talk trash while I'm beating someone in cards. I also can't wait to see these adorable cousins together!
Can you tell that my niece Amaya and Charlie are fixin' to do something questionable?
To show my thanks, I'm giving away 3 book sets (The Gifts of Imperfection, I Thought It Was Just Me, and a Hustle for Worthiness DVD).Three winners will win all three goodies!
Just leave your TGIF in the comments section and I'll pick winners on Monday.
Happy TGIF!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Reader Comments (221)
Trusting this feeling of confidence I have. I am feeling good. I am having one of those days where I look at myself in the mirror, feel happy with what I see, and feeling like I am wearing an outfit that is exactly how I dress when I imagine my best self.
Grateful for the upcoming weekend away with my husband. We need a break and we are getting one and I am so grateful.
Inspired by my friend Erin who marches to her own drummer and doesn't apologize for it. Need to do a little more not apologizing myself.
Thanks for a great giveaway!
I'm trusting my ability to feel my feelings without needing to manage, avoid, numb or control them. I'm grateful for interdependence - my connections with others and how others inspire me, hold me, teach me, help me see more clearly.
I'm inspired by the radiance, openness and presence of my 6 month old son.
Thank you for the opportunity!
i am also grateful for the fact that you just used the word " fixin' " ... baby! as a girl from the south! you're talking my language!
i am grateful for daily renewed hope,God's never failing love and grace and for loving me more then i know how to love myself just yet.. (i'm learning though) .. i am grateful for days when painting is all i do and i feel no guilt because i'm learning this IS a real job! not just a hobby! and that God is working behind the scenes to make my painted song heard :) and i am grateful for my hubby .. he is amazing.. and good music that makes me swoon!! and run on sentences .. i'm the queen of them!!! love !!! ya!!
Today I'm:
Trusting that the struggles I'm dealing with will not only work out but will serve a purpose in my life.
Grateful for my wonderful husband who supports me and "gets it."
Inspired by all the opportunities I have this year to share my work (stamped jewelry) with others. The people I meet inspire more and new designs!
And I *love* your two books, so if I won them I'd gift them away. But maybe keep the Hustle for myself. :) Happy weekend!
I am grateful for my dissatisfaction which prompts me to keep seeking and for my husband's patience as I make, yet, another attempt at finding out what I was meant to do with this life.
And I am inspired by all those who have the courage to follow their passions even though it might be the more difficult path - in the beginning.
I am grateful for friends who love me without conditions, for having options when I so long did not, for quiet moments of solitude raking leaves and petting my cats.
I am inspired to move forward, to boldly walk my own true path. I am inspired to follow the bits of wisdom which cross my eyes and ears in unexpected places. I am inspired to trust, to be grateful, and to believe that I really can follow my dreams, follow my bliss, and make change in the world.
Thank you, Brene, for being part of my journey and helping me discover all these truths.
I have been with my husband for 10 years now and it has been amazing. Up and down like most marriages but for the most part pretty damn solid. Sunday night we had a breakthrough...he admitted to me what I had known for many years now. He has been severely depressed and feels unworthy of me and the children's love. I had not pressed the issue with him because I wanted him to admit it to himself and come to me when he was ready to talk. He is an amazing father, friend, lover and man but feels unworthy. My mother in law sent me your story about feeling unworthy and it could not have come at a better time. I watched it and cried because it rang so true to me and what we are going thorugh together. I told him he needs to watch this and filled him in on some of things you talk about and he was shocked at how appropriate and perfectly timed this was. For myself, I came to the conclusion a long time ago that if I do not love myslef and all my imperfections than I am not going to be able to spread that love to everyone around me. I am slightly controlling, overweight (I'm workin' on that)....the list goes on but I am also a great mom, I think I am pretty damn good looking, I work hard and live my life with integrity and passion, I have a huge sense of right and wrong and try to always see both sides of a situation wihout judging first. More people need to hear what you have to say, and not just hear but LISTEN to it and absorb it and start to believe that they too are worthy of every good thing that comes their way. Since our talk, my man has been positively jovial and has been making small changes to his life that will benefit him in the long run. It is going to be a long process but day by day we will get through it. I plan on spreading your truths and instilling the same into our children. Thank you for what you do and keep up the good work......I am going to have a beer and banana nut muffin now......only because I want to not because I am numbing myself lol ;) Much Love~ Melanie
I am incredible grateful for all of the amazing people who have helped me. My husband and his uncomplaining devotion to piles of laundry as I sat hunched over my laptop, my kids who cheered me on even if I couldn't drive for field trips or help on craft days ('do it mom' my son kept telling me). I am grateful to my parents who helped finance me, I am grateful for the two authors who stepped forward and openly and graciously offered to teach and guide me with excellent constructive criticism. I am grateful to my friends who have stayed by me even though it must look to them like I dropped off the face of the earth.
I am inspired by the power of the collective spirit--I am inspired to know that we all have the power within us to support and love someone on their journey to living as their most authentic self.
Now, I am going to go clean my house...and you know it needs it!
I'm grateful for sweaters and apple tea and kleenex with lotion.
I'm inspired by my son's teacher and her amazing ability to go with the flow and improvise.
I am trusting that if I let go & listen, "the way" will reveal itself to me.
I am grateful for people who show up just as they are.
I am inspired by you, Brene, and all that you are doing to pave the way for all of us to live our best, most authentic, inspired lives.
Happy Friday, everyone!
trust: This week's been all about trusting that I know myself and trusting that "myself" is OK/enough/perfectly imperfect.
gratitude: I am honest-to-goodness (not playing for brownie points here) most grateful for stumbling upon your TEDxHouston talk, because sharing what I know about myself has made me feel ultra vulnerable - more than I've ever, EVER felt. So the timing was spot on. I thank you for putting yourself out there and melting barriers.
inspiration: I'm inspired by all the awesomely authentic people, stories and art that I'm finding in BlogLand, on YouTube, and in The Declaration of You ecourse. Totally inspired. They make me believe in myself.
Happy Friday! And Happy Birthday!
Today,
I'm (trying to) trust in something I don't understand. I'm slowly learning to trust in those (annoying) cliches: "everything happens for a reason" and "things get worse before they get better". I'm starting to trust that maybe, just maybe, if I let go, instead of clinging so tight, that things will be okay.
I'm grateful for making it to three months clean & sober. I never thought it possible, and in addition to being grateful for the accumulation of the days themselves, I'm grateful for the amazing people who have been placed in front of me & have helped me to get here.
I'm inspired by stories - stories of ordinary courage, of triumph, of tears... of being on the receiving end of stories and feeling some comfort in the overlap with my own story.
Belated happy birthday, Brene!
I am grateful for my girlfriends. I have two groups of girlfriends who meet monthly. One of these groups met last night. We were reflecting on how long we have known each other (8 years) and how long we have been meeting monthly, and what a commitment it takes for four women with full lives and busy schedules. I love how present we are, how we really show up for each other. We are Sister Goddesses.
And, our Sister Goddess outing for last night was to go to a dance class together. One goddess has been going for a while, so it was the first time for the rest of us. In the class, I was reminded of one way to trust myself. To trust myself, turn off the mind. It took quite a while for this to happen, but finally, as I continued to dance, I could feel the joy of movement. The joy was able to flow in and through after the chatterbox mind went quiet. What a blissful feeling!
TGIF and happy Friday everyone!
So, Today I am:
Trusting myself as I make some professional changes and advances.
Grateful for my marriage -- we're celebrating 1 year of marriage on Sunday and 4 years of dating today!
Inspired by those people who see the glass half full and notice the amazing and beautiful design of the glass.
Thanks for the incredible giveaway and have a fantastic weekend!
I'm inspired by women who reach out with their hearts and light the way for others.
I trust that I am on the right path even though I don't have a clue where it is leading me.
COngratulations on your latest accomplishment. Sounds like you've earned your recognition and aren't afraid to share it rather than clutching it to your breast. Thank you for that.
This morning I've spent the last hour squirming in my chair, procrastinating on a task that I absolutely NEED to do, believe in 100%, but silly self-worth doubts are creeping in. So, I'm putting on my Big Girl Pants and biting the bullet - because I DO deserve it, and so do the others involved.
I trust in myself to make my goal a reality, and am confident that perfect is for suckers. ;-)
Thank you, Brene - I'm looking forward to following along in the journey with you!
T - I'm trusting that there is someone out there who will let me love him, and who will love me back. Okay, I'm trying to trust in that.
G - I'm grateful for the busy-ness of my self-employed life, even when it makes me crazy. This is what I've worked for.
I - I'm inspired by my yoga teachers - their grace, gentleness, generosity, and amazing bodily abilities.
Friday. Ahhh...
Please pick me for the give-away! I want to read your books!!! (I'm about about to order one, but I'll wait until after Monday, just in case!!!)
today i am thankful that i will be seeing my significant other, who lives 2 hours away.
thank you for this opportunity.
I am thankful that I have a list of things to be thankful for. My sweet children. My husband, the funniest and kindest person I know. My work as a therapist finally taking off as my private practice grows--and the courage and inspiration I have had and received to make it so. Thank you, DD. A wellspring of love and dear friends in the least expected places. Finding your blog (through one of these dear friends--thank you JB). Connecting with old friends and the joy of knowing and being known for so long--and witnessing each other's growth. My health and the health of my loved ones. Family and best friends here for Thanksgiving. And our new home! First time homebuyers at 45!
I am grateful for beauty, spiritual awareness, righteous anger, love, music and incredible mentors.
I am inspired by cool weather in Florida, the sunshine, and people on a courageous, spiritual path. Especially my clients.
Thank you for putting it all out there, Brene Brown. Oh, and thank you for the jackass whisperer quote. I love it.
HAppy Weekend!
I'm grateful for friends coming to visit this weekend and the the fact that next week is a new chance to take on the things I struggle with.
I'm inspired by fall - bright leaves, cold weather, and sunshine.
I am new to this web site and new to Brene's stuff. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist by profession and am studying and learning a kind of couple's therapy that uses Attachment and wounding as part of the healing work (EFT). Vulnerability is very important in helping them to "get" each other and to do the deep work. On the List Serve for our professional therapy group, someone listed the TedX talk. I watched the video and was thrilled to hear the truth that Brene spoke! I have recommended your web site and books to many now and am convinced that unlocking the SHAME piece is the way for movement for so many folks, including ME. Bravo for that!!
I am thankful for your work, Brene!
I am grateful that my college age kids still kiss me and call me "muffin"!
I am inspired by the creative people around me who encourage me to find my own 'voice'.
And if I may add, I am thankful for the things I have learned for your work! I didn't even read the earlier posts to try to 'out cool' them because I am learning that "I am enough"!
That's big!
So to answer your post -
I TRUST that all will work out,
I am GRATEFULfor my family and friends, my health and my life...
I am INSPIRED every day through words, watching people, talking to people, my son, even my own thoughts sometimes (LOL)
Today I am:
Trusting that all this confusion and questioning is normal and that if I keep believing in myself, the universe will unfold as it should.
Grateful for my friends -- the old ones who's phone calls and messages keep me from being lonely and the new ones who's openness and welcoming natures keep me smiling.
Inspired by the passion of others. Simply being around passionate people has made me lose some of my fears and be more passionate about the things I love as well.
grateful - for my husband. he just celebrated his 30th birthday this week. and I'm so grateful he is in my life.
inspired - by a new blog I just found. getting back to the basics hopefully.
I'm learning to TRUST the journey; to not rush it but let it unfold as it is meant to unfold and trust that the outcome will take me where I am supposed to be (as opposed to where I think I should be)
I am GRATEFUL for the seemingly unconnected series of events that led to me watching the Art of Vulnerability talk. It was at a rare moment in my life when I was allowing myself to feel raw and naked emotions. I was open to hear what was said and it changed the course of my life for good I'm sure. Funny thing is the day after, my walls were back up and I wasn't in touch with my feelings anymore (which is normal for me). It was a small window and God used it to reach my heart.
I am INSPIRED by the courage of my friend Mandy who posted this beautiful post on her blog. It moved me and touched me in ways I can't begin to articulate and is so in line with the journey that I am on. Her post: http://www.messycanvas.com/2010/11/naked-and-ashamed/
Today, I'm trusting the universe. I'm putting my trust in the process of life and how it unfolds this very minute. I don't have much control and I trust that I'll (and my family) will be okay. Better than okay.
I'm grateful for my relationships and connections. I'm grateful that love is always around me and I don't have to look very hard for it.
I'm inspired by vulnerability and opening up and what can come of it. I'm inspired by people who show their heart and give it freely.
So...
I am trusting that staying out of other people's business and simply being a source of love will yield the best possible resutls for those around me.
I am grateful to be doing work that lights me up every single day.
I am inspired by the gorgeous fall colors that are in full effect here in South Carolina.
Today I am trusting my instincts. I am grateful for my family's health. I am inspired by other moms who have found a balance and are succeeding.
Today I am GRATEFUL for a home away from home where I can escape and receive support.
Today I am INSPIRED by a friend who is actively pursuing the goals in his life even when faced with adversity.
Have a great weekend Brene!
Grateful for every person I meet along the road.
Inspired to do what helps and heals because the world thrives on every little bit.
Take a breath, take a break, and take it all in, dear friend.
Grateful for the sunshine. Grateful for your wonderful blog.
Inspired by my new friend Eric.
Friday... Figurin' maybe I can win some cool stuff by sticking out my vulnerable neck and actually posting a comment on your site. :-)
Happy Birthday and well, just Happy!
I'm grateful for my daughter and partner for their little efforts and willingness to try to become a family even when we the three of us are just learning how after 12 years of living in two mini families because of how hard it felt to be vulnerable and authentic. I'm grateful for clean running water (it is the daily mindfulness bell).
I am inspired by you, Brené. I am reading your book "The Gifts of Imperfection" and it is touching my heart...sentence after sentence. My tender heart bows to your tender heart! Namasté! Thank you. I am inspired by my friend who has taking steps to buy a house (a long time dream) that has included asking family and friends (new/old) to help when she didn't know the response.
I'm inspired and grateful and trusting that my little steps are supporting me to live wholeheartedly!
I'm trusting that this new path of healing I've started on is finally the right one for me.
I'm inspired by your blog!
I'm grateful for a beautiful day outside; a pot of homemade chicken stock simmering on the stove (and smelling oh so good); two happy brothers (one of whom is my hunky farmguy) hard at work on our new house (that we've been building next door to The Shack for nearly 8 years); a greenhouse overflowing with herbs and Swiss chard in the middle of November; that Dolores - one of our donkeys who mysteriously injured her ankle yesterday - is already getting around better; for all the wonderful creatures who share this farm with me.
Have a wonderful weekend! :)
I'm trusting that if I step out of my comfort zone, it will be OK. I'm trusting the process. I'm trusting that I can feel what I need to feel, and not fall apart. I know that the universe will not give me more than I can handle. I'm trusting myself to be authentic, even when it's difficult for me. I trust my ability to follow through. I trust that my tears have meaning and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I trust that there is meaning in sorrow. I trust that joy will come again when it is least expected. I'm trusting that I'm right where I should be. I'm trusting that showing this vulnerability will empower me and help me to grow.
I'm grateful that I have the ability to trust in the process. I am grateful that I'm at where I'm at. I'm grateful that I have people in my life to support me. I'm grateful that I am in the position to help others. I am grateful that I have moved on from where I once was. I'm grateful for my family.
I am inspired by those who show their vulnerability, and still come across as strong women. I'm inspired by those who struggle to make it through a day, and don't give up.
I'm inspired by my aunt, my mother, and my sisters.
I am thankful for supportive people who are there even when we treat them like verbal punching bags or ignore their needs when we are so wrapped up in our own.
I am thankful for God and the blessings he gives, even when they aren't perfect in our eyes, and I am grateful for my imperfection. Without it I could not ever truly see who I am.
I am thankful for my 13 year old daughter that wakes up daily in pain and smiles anyways. I am thankful for the way she doesn't let anyone push her around even though she is literally half their size (a big power wheelchair helps with that.. LOL)
I am thankful to all the little gifts my kids give me each day with their excitement and love of life.
I could go on so much more!
Thank you so much for your wise words.
Today,
I'm trusting that I am enough and that it will all work out in the end.
I'm grateful for a deepening friendship.
I'm inspired by the natural beauty I experienced through the latest meteor shower.
You sharing your process of discovery made it all the more meaningful. What I most admired was your committment to understanding, and then really being curious about what the results of your research were telling you on a profound level--and then the most important: surredering to it, and doing your own personal work and practice to integrate what you found into your own experience-- and this is why your words so resonate, because it is clear that you have taken this process of discovery right into your heart, and opened yourself with it, moving through your resistance. You just shine!
I admire your being able to learn, communicate and integrate all of what you have discovered into not only your experience, but into a mainstream segment of society. This amazes me, because you've been the 'proof of life', so to speak, for me; the possibility for this important awareness that is growing so quickly, to become rooted in the 'real' world.
Your words speak to anyone who loves, which pretty much means everyone!! and so, I thank you deeply for being your authentic self, for caring enough to wonder, and for having the tenacity to move with it, and bring it into the world.
Deep bows to you, and thank you for continuing to be real, and sharing that even after the talk you had your doubts. These are the revelations that keep things real, and keep the feeling of connection alive.
I am grateful for a supportive, loving family.
I am inspired by the courage of my five-year-old, facing sexual abuse.
And, like every other day of the week, I love Fridays for the opportunity it presents, the week past and the new week to come. Every day being a new opportunity to learn from the past and look forward to the future.