tgif + an alchemy giveaway

Happy TGIF! It's been quite the week! I'm so grateful for all of your supportive emails, comments, tweets, and facebook posts. I'm really proud of this book and it's been pure joy to share my excitement with you.

In addition to book wrangling, I've been conspiring with some like-spirited online friends. Kate Swoboda over at Your Courageous Life interviewed me about my work and our shared passion: Courage! Check it out here on Monday, 9/27!

I'm also collaborating with Jenna at The Word Cellar. She invited me to be a guest in her upcoming class, Alchemy: The Art and Craft of Writing.

There are so many wonderful e-courses out there that I decided to highlight some of the classes that I've taken or that are taught by folks who I've enjoyed learning from. You can check out the classes page here.

Jenna's online writing class starts on October 11th and she's giving away one spot in her class! To put your name in the hat, leave a TGIF comment! I'll post a winner on Monday!

Here's mine:

Today, I'm trusting myself. It's a relatively new relationship, but so far so good.

I'm grateful for everyone who took time out of their very busy lives to celebrate with me.

I'm inspired by this quote (so inspired that it's in my book):

"Often people attempt to live their lives backwards: they try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want so that they will be happier. The way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you really are, then do what you really need to do, in order to have what you want." ~ Margaret Young

Happy TGIF!

Update on Sunday, September 26, 2010 by Brené Brown

Congrats to Jenni Derryberry Mann! You won a spot in the Alchemy class!

Comments

[Marianne]

Thank you so much for including my course on your page, I'm grateful. I've already explored many of the other course you list, but not Jenna's. What I've already come to know of Jenna is very impressive - she's a very talented writer and very generous teacher. I am sure the course will be fantastic.

[Christine G.]

Today, I am trusting in myself and my dreams...
I'm grateful that I have so many wonderful people in my life!
and I'm inspired by YOU!!!

Thanks for putting your magnificent self out into the world - It is definintely making it a brighter place : )

[Linda Mahmarian]

Tonight I am trusting that there is more for me to discover within myself.
I am grateful that I saw Rene at a Hazelden Women Healing Conference a few years ago and
I'm inspired by other women who venture out in to the uncharted waters of life.

[Pauline D]

I am new to your blog - pointed here by the lovely Marianne.

Today I trusted myself (something I am nto so good at) and bought a mountain bike at a recycling shop for $8. It looked like a good one. I am grateful that my cycle expert partner said it was a very good one. I am also grateful because I have a limited budget and have been wanting to find a fun but cheap way to get some exercise. I am inspired and motivated to get on with gaining fitness because the perfect bike fell into my hands at the perfect time.

Which all sounds like a focus on material things, but it all feels it was 'meant to be' and also I love reusing and recyling - and this is REAL recycling

[kelly]

today i am trusting that i am on my path
i am grateful for the circle of creative, kind and loving chicks who hold me up
i am inspired by the little things.

[AVZC]

Tonight I am trusting that a good night's sleep can make life feel tons easier.
I am grateful for friends that I have had since elementary school and help me remember who I am at my core.
I am inspired by my husband who pushed through 5 years of really hard/thankless work to get his career to the place he wanted it to be.

So proud of you and excited about your new book. Always fun to bump into you around town. Hope you guys are well,
A

[Beth H]

I am trusting in the power of a good walk
I am grateful for a new friend and a recent visit from an old friend
I am inspired by the feel of fall in the air

[Lori Anne]

I am gratefully trusting my inspiration. I am.
;-)

[BettyLou]

Thanks for introducing me to Alchemy. Today I am trusting my intuition.

[Linda Mahmarian]

I forgot to proof read my comment. Sorry Brene (not Rene)...

[jenni derryberry mann]

Trusting that all is well
Grateful that Iife is sweet
Inspired to practice more personal writing
thank u!

[Debra]

I'm trusting in my ability to continue to help my daughter trust in herself.

The WordCellar is one of my most encouraging places to visit each morning!!!

[neri]

Today, I'm trusting practicing the love I profess (straight from your blog) :)

I'm grateful for your impact in my life.

I'm inspired by the courage I have shown at work this week!

[Mallory]

Today, I am trusting the life will be even better tomorrow.
I am grateful that today was a day full of energy and joy.
I am inspired to joy by what I saw today when I heard what my children had to say.

[Kathy]

Today I am trusting in the power of presence and awareness; living in each moment, letting go and flowing peacefully with life.

[Cameron]

Today:

I am trusting that if I continue to try to live authentically my path will become clear(ish).

I am inspired by my friends on Facebook and Twitter who seem to be inspired by the same things I am.

I am grateful for the internet, where I've lately found SO MUCH valuable information, inspiration, learning, connection, etc....

[Kate]

~ loving you big, over here ~ K

[Meghan]

OMG. I have been looking at that writing course. Would LOVE to win a spot in the class!

Today, I'm trusting all will be well.

I'm grateful for new friends from my Squam retreat.

I'm inspired by the creative people I've met in the past week.:

[Thien-Kim]

I am grateful for my loving family. We had an amazing time at the Autumn Moon Festival tonight.

[Emily]

Tonight I am trusting that life is a process that will slowly but surely develop in a fulfilling and exciting way.

I am grateful for my friends - both old and new - that will take time out of their busy lives - and make me take time out of my busy life - to share their journeys with me.

I am inspired by the work of you and Marianne (who pointed me here) and Jenna who remind me every day of the interconnectedness of the world, the great power and strength there is in people, and why I reach out on the internet to find such people, read their stories and remember how great and wonderful the world is.

[Justin]

Trusting: that I will find the right words for a proposal i have to write
Grateful: for the most encouraging business partner
Inspired: by the new season

Can't wait to read the interview! Any chance there is another read-along in the works????

Have a great weekend!

[ute ursula]

i am grateful for living together with my son.
i `m trusting that i will be who i am.

[frenbren]

Okay, so perhaps over the top for some; but today I got a message from a wee little wood frog that was so incredible..."Be Who You Are ~ don't be afraid" even WILDER...is that the person that was with me...curious if I was receiving a message from this being that had made himself known as we were walking ( we had stopped and asked if we could connect with "Buddha Frog's" energy... :) She got the same message! And it was so amazing...despite the lens that all of us have to flter information that this small creature delivered the same message to us both. My friend (who is also an MD) said in all her years of doing work with animals and people (specifically equine therapy but clearly, open to all animals! Check www.healingwithhorses.ca), this was a first for getting the exact same message. So, crazy as it sounds, the message is a good one! So, listen to the frog, Heh! He could have asked for a kiss, right? I am grateful for all the gifts that are available for me to receive and give...and I love you and your work, Brene...soo joy-full about having found you...xx

[bagsok]

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[Marthe]

Today I'm trusting that I'll find the strenght and not be afraid.

I'm grateful for being in england and starting to study photography on monday.

I'm inspired by the new beginning I've been given.

<3

[Carolyn]

I am trusting I can hear my authentic, wise, honest, spirited inner voice in making this HUGE decision
I am so so grateful I have these wonderful opportunities which have just miraculously presented themselves right as I needed them
I am inspired by Anthony and others who were so brave and determined to live wholeheartedly.

[Peggy K - Small Steps to Giant Leaps]

What an incredible giveaway!

I'm trusting that I can step outside my comfort zone and start an art journal.
I'm grateful for all the incredible talent in some of the blogs I've visited, which allows me to bolster my confidence.
I'm inspired by my daughter, who is a most amazing mother to her two kids after she spends a day with a roomfull of kids at school. WOW!!

[Rebecca]

Wonderful quote!

[Paula]

Love that quote and needed to hear it today!

[Steffi]

The course sounds lovely and the quote is wowza, spot on for me today!

I am trusting in my ability to find a way, always.
I am grateful for my ability to love.
I am inspired by community enterprises.

Thank you for sharing!

Happy weekend!

[Rebecca Weger]

Today I'm trusting that I'm going to find the next road on my path if I just have patience.
I'm grateful that a loved one is healing and thriving.
I'm inspired by women in my community who are fighting tirelessly for their beliefs and values, and I've decided to join them.

[Teri]

I am TRUSTING that I will act courageously in the pursuit of my creative dreams.
I am GRATEFUL for all of the creative, energetic and soul inspiring people in my life.
I am inspired by these creative men and women that live passionately, authentically, and without regard to what society thinks.

Thank you for an awesome, safe place to share.

[Alex]

I'm trusting that I can turn down the volume on the negative voices in my head.
I'm grateful for the dragonflies that have appeared to me so many times this week in so many weird places.
I'm inspired that there is a message in the beauty and fierceness of an insect.

[Deb J]

Today I am trusting that God has my back.
I am grateful for doctors who listen to me.
I'm inspired by people who don't give up.

[The Other Laura]

Your book landed on the doorstep during dinner last night! I cannot wait to dive in...
Max was looking at the cover and said, "hmmmm, maybe I should read this too."

I am trusting myself too, to make better decisions.
I am grateful for the change of seasons, the slow turn away from summer.
I am inspired by Max and his determination to conquer 4th grade playground politics.

[Jackie]

Today I am trusting that I will find my creative path. I am grateful for being able to work in my son's art class at school and to see the amazing creation the kids made. I'm inspired by the autumn light in the late afternoon.

I keep going back and looking into the Alchemy writing class, but have been too scared to sign up. It sounds amazing!

[Gabi]

I'm at the beginning of I Thought It Was Just Me, the book makes me think so much! Thank you.

Today I'm trusting to myself that I'm strong enough to simplify my life.
Today I'm grateful for my kids who made me get up with a smile on my face.
I'm inspired by a new book I bought yesterday - This Is not a book by Keri Smith, looking forward to discover the inner artist in myself.

Thank you for this opportunity, Brene. Have a wonderful weekend.

[Stephanie]

Today I'm trusting my own brain and power to do well on a test.
I'm grateful for my family pitching in on the housecleaning.
I'm inspired by the fall leaves and embracing the change that comes with the fall season.

[Susan Ideus]

I'm trusting myself to be strong and courageous as I face some difficult issues.
I'm grateful to be blessed with supportive friends and family--and for fall & apples!
I'm inspired by Brene's new book and all that I am learning about myself.

[Lisa Anderson]

MY TGIF post (while being posted on Saturday) is that I am thankful for all days that I have with my family but especially those that start the weekend where we have more time for each other or the things that bring us personal joy and refresh us for another week at work.

[Trish]

I am trusting that I will be the winner of Jenna's e-course spot.
I am grateful that Brene's blog is giving me the opportunity to win.
I am inspired to be more of myself out loud and not hold it within anymore.

oxox
Trish

[tynan]

Today I am trusting in the magic that has occurred the past several weeks. I am grateful for the courage to do things others won't and inspired by a new friendship that has come at the perfect time.

[Lesa]

So interested in this course; I have been wanting to take my writing/blogging to a new place-trusting this to not be coincidental. Thanks so much.

[Jennie]

I am trusting that what is meant to be will be.
I am grateful for my husband who DVR'd the Notre Dame football game today, so we could spend time hiking together.
I am inspired by the beauty of the outdoors.

[asiyah]

I'm trusting that this new chapter in my life will be a fun adventure.
I'm grateful that my husband is always trying to improve himself and our lives.
I'm inspired to start writing again!

[Megan Warren]

I'm trusting that all will be as it should be.
I'm grateful for a longweekend to rest and recuperate.
I'm inspired by technology and the ability to connect with people all over the globe.

[wesleyjeanne]

Today I am trusting that I am making the right decisions, grateful for the opportunity to choose my life, and inspired by your new book, open on the table beside me.

[Azimat]

I'm trusting in capability, grateful for my family, inspired by the Chisti Inayati Sufi lineage.

[melissa]

thank you for this friday ritual and the generous offering. this week...
i am trusting that transitions take time.
i am grateful for a new community of kindred spirits.
i am inspired by the alchemy of dance.

[Allison]

I am TRUSTING down time.

I am GRATEFUL this weather today... glimpse of fall!

I am INSPIRED by your book. Duh! More details at my blog: http://shamelessstudent.wordpress.com

Can't wait until Tuesday!