I was part of a book club called the “Finer Things Club” and it quite literally changed my life. Every month someone picked a new book and we were challenged to read books that we would never think to pick up on our own.
My friend chose the book “Daring Greatly” by Brene Brown and this book changed my life. I still remember picking up the book and questioning the topic of vulnerability. The word sounded lame and the opposite of my upbringing. I grew up in religious system that reinforced the notion that men are tough, warriors, don’t cry, don’t complain, and never dare show your weaknesses. I wasn’t ready for the paradigm shift that would come from reading this book.
If you haven’t read “Daring Greatly” I highly recommend everyone read the book. It’s one of the first books I lend out or recommend. Brene Brown shares that,
“Vulnerability is uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure — the birthplace of human connection, courage, and growth.”
In her book she argues that much of ability to connect with other human beings depends on our ability to take off our “armor” and be vulnerable. Life is full or risks and emotional exposure and we often try to impress people with our strengths but we actually connect through our weaknesses.