Ordinary Courage

The thought of first having a blog seemed like something I would never do.  Now I use our blog only to post about events that are going on in our lives, sharing photos and details about those events.  I never share feelings - I don't want to put that out there for everyone to see.  I don't want to be VULNERABLE.  I always look at others and think, "They make it look so simple", "They seems like the perfect parents", "How come I can't keep my house that clean?", and ON, and ON, and ON.  I was recently recommended a book: The Gifts of Imperfection, by Brené Brown, Ph.D. She is a research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, and has spent the past decade studying vulnerability, courage, worthiness, and shame.  I haven't even gotten a copy of her book yet, but did some digging and found her blog, 'Ordinary Courage'.  I'm excited to start reading her book and to learn more about myself and becoming a happier ME in the process.  

I'm still a little nervous about clicking "Post" for this blog, but I was encouraged by an article by Brené, Want to be happy? Stop trying to be perfect It's a great article and here are some of my favourite quotes from it:

• "Why, when we know that there's no such thing as perfect, do most of us spend an incredible amount of time and energy trying to be everything to everyone?"
• "Perfectionism is not the same thing as striving to be our best. Perfectionism is not about healthy achievement and growth; it's a shield"
• "What's the greater risk? Letting go of what people think -- or letting go of how I feel, what I believe, and who I am?"
• "We all need to feel worthy of belonging, and our worthiness is on the line when we feel like we are never _____ enough"
• "Worthiness doesn't have prerequisites"
• "speaking honestly and openly about who we are, about what we're feeling, and about our experiences (good and bad) is the definition of courage... It doesn't get braver than that."

Anyways!  I've gone on longer than intended!  If nothing else this has been good for me, allowing myself to vulnerability, by putting my feelings out there.