tgif + a hustle giveaway

Happy TGIF. I feel like I have so much to be grateful for today - I'm not even sure where to start so I'll just dive in!

It's summertime and the living really is easy. Finally. I'm trusting that late mornings, afternoon naps, and lots of unscheduled time will do us some good.

I'm grateful for the time I spent with Karen at the EVO10 Conference. We had so much fun (on stage and in our PJs)! I LOVE her photos from EVO!

© Laura Mayes

I'm also grateful for my grad students at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. We just finished a summer course on shame, empathy and resilience. Per usual, my students taught me much more than I could ever teach them.

I'm inspired by the size of my new book! The galleys arrived today. If you follow my blog you'll remember that one of my words for 2010 was brevity. I wanted The Gifts of Imperfection to be something you could really get your hands and hearts around. I love it so much. I can hardly wait until 10/1. Check it out!

To celebrate this TGIF, I'm going to give away three copies of my Hustle for Worthiness DVD!

Just leave your TGIF in the comments section (what are you trusting, what are you grateful for, and what's inspiring you). I'll pick two winners on Monday.

Have a wonderful and safe Fourth of July!

Update on Tuesday, July 6, 2010 by Brené Brown

Congrats to 

Kelly H., Kate (Katio), and Carmen H! You won copies of the DVD!

Comments

[Debbie H.]

I'm am grateful for grace

[Davielle]

oh my goodness - i haven't touched down here on your blog, Brene, in ... months? TODAY I am trusting God - and He is also what/who I am grateful for today - and my inspiration comes from all the children - and their families - who battle serious illnesses, day in and day out. my grandson Trevor had another surgery today - his third this year. first, right knee. next, right elbow. and today, left knee. but when you hear others talking about "cardiology" appts and surgeries and transplants - yes, TRANSPLANTS - for their children -- it sure grounds one. SO thankful, SO grateful, SO working on trusting all the time and all the concerns I might ever have to God; and SOOOOO inspired by those who address life with courage. and faith. and trust. and gratitude. xoxo -- Davielle

[Davielle]

oh, and by the way - i TRUST that the "random generator" will deem me worthy of a Brene Brown HUSTLE FOR WORTHINESS dvd (i'm just saying) ... 'cause my therapist and i address this issue - week in and week out. what a hustle; what a struggle. oh my !!! :-) Davielle in California

[Lisa Mann]

I am thankful for my husband, Tom, who works with individuals who have autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, and behavior disorders. He could have gotten rich in another niche of psychology, but instead he's getting enriched by these clients and their caregivers. I'm grateful for my daughter Sarah, forging her own path, courageously switching her major to premed, and doing all the things that the young should do while they can. I'm incredibly proud of my daughter Kate, who fights neurological and cardiac problems with grace and humor most people lack on their healthiest days. And I am grateful for my middle school students, who remind me all the time how precious childhood is and yet how much there is to dream about in adulthood. They are in such a difficult place, but they make me smile every day, and they inspire me with their insight, their wit, and their wackiness.

[Karen Bonds]

I'm grateful for the moments that I choose to be in the moment. So many times I find that I'm living inside my head completely unaware of my blessings and certainly unaware of the grace that brought the moment to me. My life changes when I am able to shut down the endless flow of mind chatter and become present to the moment. I become calm, peaceful and filled with wonder at the boundlessness of my living. Why can't I always be present to the moment? I believe the whole world would be a better place if we all practiced living in the moment.

[Christina]

I''ve taken on tgif as a new spiritual practice and absolutely love it. I'm in the process of moving from the Boston area to Berkeley (end of August), and a lot of these are related to this.

I trust that my safety net will hold as it changes shape.

I am grateful for time to say goodbye intentionally to the people that I love here.

I am inspired by the amazing work and energy of last weekend's Jean Baker Miller Training Institute. (http://www.jbmti.org) Truly an amazing time to make new friends and connect with older ones, to practice intentional relationship, and to just be...

[Kathy]

Like Davielle, I haven't checked in on TGIF for quite awhile. I'm trusting myself to be able to handle what ever comes my way today. I'm not going to let a really full platter make me anxious because that would render me unable to really enjoy all the people and events that I plan to see/do in the next few days.

I'm grateful that I have so many friends and family that are filling up my schedule.

I'm inspired by the strong women, including my daughters and sisters, who are in my life.

[Carolyn C]

I'm trusting that I will experience more and more freedom to be myself as I get to know myself--myself!

[sawdust]

I am trusting God. He is the only one that has my life in His total control!! I am grateful for a husband that loves me more than he loves himself and loves God more than he loves me. I feel so safe in the arms of these tow important people in my life.

I am looking forward to being more of my own person, not caring what the world expects of me, but more of what I expect of myself!! I am moving forward at being the best authentic person I can be.

[Tina]

I am trusting I already have within me all I need to succeed at being who I want to be.

I am grateful for another day of grace.

I am inspired by those who will not let go of their dreams no matter what their reality is.

[mary]

I am grateful for my work as an art teacher and the gift of the summer off with my own kids.
I am trusting that my creativity and productivity as an artist follow a natural ebb and flow , but its always there. I am inspired by the resilience of people who experience a painful childhood, but develop in to gentle loving souls despite thier past.

[Anita]

"It's summertime and the living really is easy. Finally. I'm trusting that late mornings, afternoon naps, and lots of unscheduled time will do us some good." Amen!

My summer has been very slow pace...but busy. I'm a SAHHM (That's Stay-At-Home-Homeschooling-Mom) and I value my summer as a time of refreshment, getting some much needed projects done and just plain having fun with my kids. Well...this summer has a bit different with my son prepping for college and working part-time and remodeling the kitchen, however my daughter and I have been having some fun doing pottery, trying out a henna tattoo and just enjoying mom and daughter time. She's going to be 17 this summer, so I'm soaking it all in. I love being a mom and I love spending time with my kiddos and I'm grateful I'm able to do that!

[Allison Marek]

I am TRUSTING chill time.

I am GRATEFUL for working at a place right on Allen Parkway. The top of the garage will be the perfect place to watch the fireworks on Sunday!

I am INSPIRED by rainy days.

[Paula]

I am trusting that I have--or will receive--everything I need to be happy and successful.

I am grateful for my family coming through multiple surgeries and other recent challenges to reach a peaceful plateau, and for the chance to rest this summer.

I am inspired by my wonderful husband and daughter, including the ways in which we all challenge one another.

[Heather]

At the moment ...

I am trusting that my path is true/authentic.

I am grateful for a pair of wonderful daughters, a good husband and an upcoming weekend of fun with extended family.

I am inspired by the vivid colors and gorgeous flowers and graphics of vintage tablecloths. I am looking for some less-than-perfect pieces to use to cover some chair cushions for my screen porch. (I have spent far too much time shopping online tonight already, but I'm enjoying myself.)

[Meghan]

Today, I'm trusting that you (yes, you, Brene!) will respond to my Facebook message to you (please, please!). I'm grateful for a circle of women friends that is growing in connection and intimacy. And I'm inspired by Tracey Clark's Picture Summer Class!

And I would be SO grateful for a copy of your DVD and CANNOT WAIT until 10/1 to get your new book!!

[Patricia]

I am grateful to be 57 with gray hair and a still fairly sexy body and that I can live and survive on my own after all these years of being dependent on men that were never there for me. I am grateful to have a daughter who is 33 and is already independent and making her own way in the world, healthy and vibrant. I am grateful that my mother is still alive and living in a nursing care center that she is finally happy with and that the staff treats her well and that I still get to go visit her. I am grateful that I have finally learned to forgive and to let go of so many burdens of my youth, yet there are always going to be problems in my life, challenges are just a sign we are still breathing I think. I am so grateful to be able to connect with so many strong and like-minded women on Facebook who give me inspiration on a daily basis. Lastly I am grateful for my weaknesses as they have matured me more than anything else!

[Deb J]

Congratulations on the book. It looks great.

I'm trusting that rest I am taking will give me the soul cleanse I need.

I'm grateful for the way God keeps taking care of us when the outgo is more than the income.

I'm inspired by the books and blogs I am reading.

God is good, all the time.

[Jodi]

I'm TRUSTING I will find a way to play more, rest more, and be kind to myself and others.

I'm GRATEFUL I have more than I need.

I'm INSPIRED by Andrea and Jen's Mondo Beyondo Dream Lab.

[Joy Tanksley]

I am TRUSTING that my upcoming workshops will be filled with my ideal clients. I am GRATEFUL for amazing weather, lemonade, bike rides, sweet dachshunds, and a patient husband. I am inspired by Martha Beck's words: "We can bury our dreams, but we have to bury them alive."

XXOO!

[Monica L. H.]

Today...

I am trusting that I will find a teaching job for Sept. in my new city.
I am grateful for this afternoon spent with my friend's 8 year old daughter, Eastyn.
I am inspired by Eastyn's monkey bar triumph and the sheer joy in her face as she realized she had made it!

[Kimberlee Daniels McElfresh]

I am grateful for the gifts of family in all way ways - both "blood" and blood.
I am grateful for the love and support of many friends and family who do not let me down when I get down on myself.
I trust that I will be successful in all that I attempt because of that unconditional support and love.
I am inspired by the many young people who are a part of my life when I see the incredible things they are able to achieve with the gifts they've been given. I am so very confident in their future leadership.

[Lorri Lennox]

I am Trusting Myself
I am Grateful for Family & Friends
I am Inspired by generous, creative artistic souls.

xo

[Carmen]

I'm trusting the process today. I'm trusting intuition and the subtle, yet firm and confident, voice within. I'm grateful for unanticipated time to focus on stepping into who I am.

I'm so inspired by you and Karen. Would have loved to be there!

xo,
Carmen

[Ronna Detrick]

Ooooh. I love this! This very day - of all days that I come back to your blog - I am trusting that my fears, my insecurities, and the whole lot of un-fun stuff is no longer what I need to trust; that I can trust me!!!

[Comic Mummy]

I am thankful that my kids are alive and healthy. Even when they drive me to tears - which is definitely more often than I like - I always remind myself that there are many parents in the world who would do anything to hear their lost child's tantrum. I'm so grateful for them, even in their worst moments.

[Rachael]

I'm trusting that a bit of work, a bit of sun, some sleep, friends, and yummy fresh food will get me where I need to be by the end of the summer.

I'm grateful for good company, good food, and naps.

I'm inspired by 101cookbooks.com

[karen]

I am trusting that my one-year-old will like camping and sleep through the night as he takes his first trip this weekend.

I am grateful for a four-day weekend to rest and relax with my family.

I am inspired by the kindness of others. I am sending a month of thank-you letters this month and it's making me more and more aware of the amazing people in my life (and in the world in general.)

[The Other Laura]

I'm trusting my heart to make good decisions.

I'm grateful for the slow summer pace.

And I'm inspired by the music I've been listening to.

[Jordan]

I'm trusting myself to act like a grown-up and work on my issues. I'm grateful for support and love, and I'm inspired by my new city. Thanks for the giveaway chance!

[Amalia]

Today I am trusting that I've learned a big lesson between being sick in May and taking vacation this past week that involved no schedules, no agendas, and no alarm clocks. Lesson: it's okay (and healthy) to just check out and take time off. The Big Stuff will still be here when I get back.

Today I am grateful for having the resources and the willingness to go explore some of the places I get to go. Istanbul and Bodrum (Turkey) were an amazing experience, and I'm already eager to get back to both places. Paris...ah, Paris....I do love you, even when it's 90+ degrees and I'm walking all over the 8th Arrondisement.

Today I am inspired by serendipity. Yet again I had an interesting opportunity (Mondo Beyondo Dream Lab) show up at the perfect time (to reinforce the lessons the Universe is teaching me about the importance of giving me permission to rest, to be kind, and to be silly/ to play).

Happy and safe holiday weekend!

[Glenda Childers]

I am trusting in God's faithfulness.

I am grateful for our small cozy home.

I am inspired by my husbands honesty.

[Chloe]

I am trusting that the path will unfold as it should. I am grateful for my partners as I travel the path. I am inspired by the kindness of others and the healing powers of an empty house on a rainy Friday night, good music, white wine, and my sewing machine.

[Kathy C]

I am trusting in the wisdom of the universe. I am grateful for the simple, small joys of my family that add up to the bliss of my life. I am grateful that I can always count on nature to feed my soul. I am grateful for the beauty in everyone's uniqueness. I am grateful for hope and imagination. I am inspired by my own strength for it has brought me to this most fulfilling place in my life.

[kathleen]

I am trusting that this time next week everything will have fallen into place and the future will start to become just a teensy weensy little bit clearer and closer.
I'm grateful for the sound of my daughters' laughter - NOTHING makes me happier.
I am inspired by this poem - Invictus by William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

[Heather]

Today I am trying to trust the path of my dreams , I am grateful for so much, including my journal where I can safely spew my thoughts out! I am inspired by - so much.. Others creativity, children, blog land! Thanks for the chance to win!

[Neri]

I'm trusting myself to share, ask questions, discover my way, and wait for the answers that come my way.

I am grateful for the doors that are opening. For my patient husband and curious sons.

I am inspired by my sister, the books I am reading, this blog, and all that all of a sudden "speaks" to me.

[Kelly]

trusting - my 36 week pregnant body and the baby still inside me to come to an agreement about when and how she will come out.


grateful - for air conditioning. and my husband who helps me out so much.


inspiring - all the wonderful women in my life inspire me in so many ways.

[Laura]

Trusting that...it's okay to be young and not have all the answers, to still be single, but happy. Grateful that I get to do work I love with kids and music, even though parts of it are frustrating and draining. Inspired by my weekend of vacation, breezy summer nights, and finding your lovely website full of wisdom!
-a newly devoted reader as of this week

[Kate Robertson]

I am trusting in my ability to always begin again

I am grateful for my wonderful healing garden.

I am inspired by so many people who blog. on the internet, who share their lives so willingly

[Elaine]

I am grateful for walls tumbling down.

I am trusting in my ability to stay open and vulnerable.

I am inspired by Love.

[SheilaC]

I am trusting that I will know the right path (job opportunity) when I find it.....

thanks for the great give away and happy 4th!

SheilaC

[M Jane]

Trusting that life will unfold as it should.
Grateful that everyday is a new opportunity.
Inspired by the limitless possibility that is all around.

[Abby]

I am trusting that it's okay to be the youngest in a crowd of people.

I am grateful that I love my work.

I am inspired by Jenny Lawson.

[JW]

I trust that there is a purpose in our chaos, and that we have the potential to emerge from our pain like the butterfly from her chrysalis.

I am inspired by the enthusiasm of children, the twinkle of the fireflies, and the smile of the person that you love.

I am grateful for soft serve ice cream cones dipped in chocolate, grace, and that I don't know what tomorrow holds.

[EW]

I am grateful for my family, my friends and those who live to inspire others to achieve more than they could have ever imagined.

[linda]

trusting in love, grateful for family and friends and inspired by all the happy successful people out there :)

[Peggy - Small Steps to Giant Leaps]

I'm trusting that I can tackle all the things that need to get done in this house always with forward motion.
I'm grateful for the sisterhood who let me air my thoughts and helped me to reach this decision.
I'm inspired by each of my mini-accomplishments, showing me I can do it!!

[Lana Phillips]

I am grateful for new connections with inspiring people.

I am trusting that I will find the answers as I need them.

I am inspired by the people I support as they live their lives making mistakes and picking themselves back up again.

[Pearle]

I am grateful for an opportunity I have been given to travel to Haiti with Global Orphan Project. I'm so excited but nervous about all that I have to do to prepare for this trip. I'm trusting that if I am meant to go, everything will fall into place without my needing to be in control of everything! I'm focusing on "doing the next thing" and leaving the rest up to God.