thank you for walking the talk with me

The Huffington Post and TED are counting down "18 of 2011's most impactful talks" and combining them with new blog posts written by the people who delivered them. I was so honored and overwhelmed when I found out that my TEDxHouston talk was chosen for the countdown. 

In my essay I describe 2010 as the year of the talk and 2011 as the year of "walking the talk." Having a video on vulnerability go viral made this year the most vulnerable year of my life. Ironic, I know. 

From the essay:

"This past year has been an experience that I can only describe as equal parts terrifying and exciting. There's been unbelievable support, long overdue debate and discourse about these silenced topics, and -- the thing that makes me the most excited -- the development of new communities committed to cultivating more conversations about the emotional landscape of our lives. For better and for worse, there have also been some tough lessons on finding balance, asking for help, and seeking out constructive, respectful debate and feedback without letting in too much of the downright mean-spiritedness that’s rampant in our culture." 

I want all of you to know that our community has been a constant source of support for me. I'm so grateful for what we've created.

Thank you for the respectful debate and discussion. 

Thank you for sharing your stories.

Thank you for helping me learn. 

I'm truly grateful. 

Comments

[schmutzie]

I love that your talk has been such a success. And thank you.

[Jander]

Your TED talk is one of the most inspiring and beautiful things I've ever seen... and, I plan to see it from time to remind myself that it's okay to be vulnerable, that it's okay to be as human as humanly possible. I personally look forward to more beauty & depth coming from you Dr. Brown. Thank you!

[Susana Frioni]

Thankyou for all your work + wisdom! I'm so happy I discovered you when I did. You are a beacon of light Brene! Love Susana xoxo

[Shawna Bennett]

Thank you Brene' for the work you do. Your books have transformed my life in so many ways. I was first introduced to you in your Ted talk and I am not surprised you are being honored. Many blessings to you as you continue this journey.

[ats]

you. are. amazing. xo

[liz song]

<3

[Peg]

Congratulations!

[Rachel]

I say "DITTO" to all the above!! beautiful and inspirational woman - keep going!!

[Devon]

I echo the Congratulations; well deserved and amazing! I have learned SO much from your talk, your blog, the community here. You are remarkable.

[Mary]

I am delighted to tell you that I have been sharing your talk with patients on the psychiatric unit, where I work, in rural Ohio, and in a class I teach at a community college. I have been astounded with how well it has been received. Your work is inspired, your theories are brilliant. but its your delivery, YOUR wholehearted authenticity and vulnerablity that makes it a work of art. Its just beautiful! You are starting a revolution!

[Katherine Stone]

Congratulations!!!!

[Mallory Meyer]

this community has been such a source of strength for me -- thank you for being such a wonderful leader brene. you deserve every bit of that recognition -- your ideas are empowering and you don't just talk the talk...you walk the walk... and that's what makes you so inspiring. you've got courage and integrity, and you're stunningly beautiful because of it. thanks for your example. all the best in 2012!

[Susie]

They say that things happen when they do when folks are finally ready to receive them. The Universe is getting it!! We are so ready to receive and embrace your gifts Brene and everyone that I know who has been led to your work are making the journey, telling their stories and sitting comfortably with their being enough and they're coming out the other side with their heads held high and their hearts a whole lot more whole. I'm so grateful for your work and your courage and I'm thinking that in 2012, your next TED Talk is going to be #1!! I know tons of oflks who are looking forward to it.

[Suzanne Daigle]

Brené, you had us at hello with your Ted talk! It was magical listening to you for the first time and then watching it with others and seeing them react with the same joyful release was such a precious gift. But best of all were the courageous, vulnerable and courageous conversations that were ignited between people because of you and your work -- family, friends, strangers, neighbors and people all over the world. We all felt connected at a time and in a world when we are all hungering for purpose and connection. Thank you so very much. You deserve this honor and so much more!

[Lisa]

Congratulations, so well deserved!!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge to help me and so many like me....

[Shannon]

You have definitely earned it! I have been talking to my clients for years about shame, being vulnerable, and cultivating an authentic spirit that is in keeping with their values and so many times I thought, "I know this is what they need" and then, "I must be crazy!" "Are they even getting it? Am I going in the right direction?".
I would go from knowing I was on the right track to doubting my own beliefs in what I could do to help... And then I saw your first TED talk and I was blown away. There it was! Someone else was saying exactly what I was trying to teach! And RESEARCH! Your talk and your research has changed the way I teach and counsel my clients and your Connections curriculum lends structure to my teachings. From the bottom of my heart I thank you for sharing...

[Liz @ PeaceLoveGuac]

Way to go! Well deserved!

[Virginia Rondero Hernandez]

Simply awesome. You've touched on topic that affects us all in a profound way. Thank you.

[Sea]

I'm glad you've learned to block out those who would belittle what you have done and continue to do. That you can learn even from those and yet remain open and vulnerable to the discussion is so important and so inspiring.

Thank you!

[LoriW]

You have been such an inspiration to my life. I now choose daily to go out on a limb sometimes multiple times a day--to be vulnerable. I have reaped so much joy, happiness, and meaningful, deep relationships as a result of this practice. Thank you and God bless your work and your life.

[Lynn]

After watching the Ted talk, I was so inspired. I have since showed it to as many people as I could and bought your books. Thank you, for being inspiration and bringing this topic to life! Simply, put, you're amazing and well deserving of the recognition!

[Sharon]

Congratulations and well done! Thank you for walking this road in front of us and sharing what you've learned. Scary thing, being swept forward by such a wave, isn't it? Out in the unknown, though, are so, so many of us who are solidly behind you and cheering you on....

[Janet, Wales]

Thank you. Your work is inspiring and helping me to change my life for the better.

[Geraldine]

Thank you Brene for being courages and making vulnerability your life mantra and being truly inspiring! I can certainly say that you've touched my life and therefore the many lives of young people I work with! It doesn't surprise me that you got nominated for this :).

[Qiuling]

Congratulations, Brené! Yours is my no.1 Ted talk, so I am exceptionally delighted to hear that you're on the list. After all, your talk is the reason that brought me here, so it's THANKS to you. :)

[Tess]

Congratulations Dr. Brown!! Truly TRULY Deserved... :-)
You. Are. Amazing!
And a special Thank you for being vulnerable for us all!
God Bless,
Tess

[Jan]

My friend and I (who have tried unsuccessfully to control reality) have devoured your book together taking it a chapter at a time. We are so much farther along on our journey and have your wise words to thank for that. The Gift of Imperfection will be a book we refer to on a regular basis. Thank you, Brene', for your most welcome guidance.

[Marisa]

Congratulations! You are truly awesome. There is good reason the Huffington Post listed you in their top 18. Someday I hope to hear you speak in person; I keep checking your event schedule to see if you are scheduled anywhere near the Seattle area....

Have a GREAT Holiday and enjoy your family!

[Kelly]

Your TED talk continues to inspire me daily. I often show it to the yoga "teachers-in-training" that I work with as an example of how a committed practice of courageously diving deep into your own heart can translate as wisdom that can guide and inspire others. I often tell my students that you sum up in 20 minutes what I've been trying the last decade to articulate as a teacher. I am truly grateful.

[Cheap Calendar Printing]

Congratulations! You truly deserved it!

- Kevin Weiss

[Jamie Dougherty]

Absolutely wonderful! I just saw the talk and I loved it for your candor and hated it because you made me cry. (Which I know you can appreciate.) Darn you authenticity! ;) Much love and many thanks for your work!

[roz ford]

Brene, thanks ever so much for doing the work you do. I saw your Tedx video about a year ago and it made me cry. It made me realise the things my husband and best friend had been telling me for several years now. I have been living in fear of living life, numbing myself from this fear and am (just recently) on anti-depressants + an anti-anxiety drug for proper melt-downs. I don't know what I want out of life, even deciding what I'm going to do from day to day causes me stress to the point where I spend most of my time pacing and eating. I just read your book 'The Gifts of Imperfection' and will be reading it again soon. I'm particularly thankful for the way the information has been presented. Many people know that excersize, socializing, regular sleep, and regular meals are all ways to help depression and boost self esteem. Your book touches on these and many more and are written in such a way to make them accessable. The definitions of words help dramatically. Thank you for your reasearch and dedication. I look forward to learning more and to continuing my journey to living my life honestly.

[Michelle Harris]

Your Ted talk and books have steered me in such a wonderful new direction. Thank you so much. Congratulations.

[ryn]

I truly appreciate this post. I¡Šve been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing.
http://www.thebeautyinsiders.com/wei-east-eyes-alive.html
http://www.colonhealthmagazine.com/colon-products-review/colonetix.html
http://www.thinreport.com/evercleanse.html

[Andrea]

Congratulations and thank you for all that you do. I am happy for the world that you and your work have been so embraced...it gives me so much hope for mankind!

[Online Parenting Class]

congratulations!

[Laura]

Congratulations! I recently read both of your books and watched your TED video multiple times in the same week. I discovered you at such a crucial time! You put into words what I (and I'm now discovering many others) have struggled to articulate. This has given me wings. Thank you!

[Sue]

I was thrilled to see your TED talk in the top 18. Congratulations!!! Your talk put me on a new path. Not that it isn't still bumpy from time to time...well a lot of the time, but I'm handling it with more grace, dignity and yes vulnerability.Thank You from the bottom of my Whole Heart.

[Galapagos Diving Cruise]

Awesome content. I bookmarked it for future reference.
<a href="http://www.galapagosscubadiving.com/">Galapagos Diving Cruise</a>

[Marla McLean, Atelierista]

Congratulations! Your talk was so powerful and unbelievably intergenerational. When it came out, I shared it with my 20, year old son, 22, year old daughter, 42 year old husband and 74 year old mother. It was relavent to each of us. Thank you.

[weeeeeez]

Brené...
I've never heard of you until I saw the TED video on a friend's Facebook page. I started watching and was so impressed with your honest, smart, humble, and funny presentation. It touched me deeply. I soon found myself with tears in my eyes, and that's something that does not happen often.
I just wanted to say...tHaNk yOu! Just what I needed. I shared it with my friends, my 85 year old father, my brothers and sisters and my adult children. So helpful to them all.
You're lovely. Thanks for your example of how to be vulnerable.

[Joe Rocks]

Hi Brene,

About a year ago I was sitting in therapy and my therapist suggested that I watch this YouTube video about being vulnerable. I am game for anything and watched it. Three hours later I was still at my computer listening to and reading anything I could find on Brene and shame and vulnerability. I am a gay, mixed race South African man living in the East in a culture that is so far removed from my own. I was so part of the evangelical church and had to move away form home and that church to be able to come out and accept myself. I have dealt with and is still dealing with a lot of family of origin issues. Severe emotional abandonment, family chaos, addictions and an uncertainty of what kind of parent you would have form one day to the next were just some of the issues I struggled with. Man I was messed up and broken beyond the point where I recognized myself. I was so wounded and living in survival mode that the very idea of being vulnerable was terrifying to me. Enter Brene. With all of the research, knowledge and general common sense wisdom that you brought to my life I can tolerate the uncertainty, the risk and adventure that life has for me. Its been a couple months since I stopped my therapy but you remain a part of my mental diet. It's because of your work that I know ordinary courage is actually extra-ordinary. It's with that courage that I can go start to heal my wounds. I salute you courages woman. This video that started it all for me has been live-changing and life-giving.

All I have for you is gratitude. Thank you.
Peace and blessing to you,
Joe