Brene Brown

A Little Inspiration from Brene Brown

Posted on by DLeduc

It has been a week of ups and downs for me. I suppose this is typical for 2020. I started to write this evening with feelings of fear and insecurity and in that my purpose wasn’t authenticity and sharing goodness, . However, as I was writing I was reminded of something Brene Brown says, “Don’t shrink, don’t puff up, just stand your sacred ground”.

I realized that my writing was coming from a place of try to ‘puff up’ due to my fears and insecurities. So I deleted what I wrote. I was going to stop writing altogether and watch TV, but then reconsidered. Instead I thought I’d share some of my favourite Brene Brown things.

If you’re not familiar with Brene Brown she is a researcher, storyteller and Texan. Her areas of research include shame, vulnerability, courage and empathy. She has written several books including one of my all time favourite books, The Gifts of Imperfection. She speaks in a down to earth, relatable way and indeed is not shy about sharing her own imperfections. Her writing also offers ideas on actions we can take to live our best lives.

Many people first came to know her through her TED Talk which is one of the most popular of all time.

Brene Brown also hosts two podcasts, Daring to Lead, and Unlocking Us.

Brené with Dolly Parton on Songtelling, Empathy and Shining Our Lights

After going down the Brene Brown rabbit-hole for just a little while I am now out of that place of insecurity and fear. Instead I am feeling inspired. I know 2020 has been throwing a lot at us. Maybe today or sometime in the week ahead you might find that you too are struggling in one way or another. Perhaps you will find spending a little time with Brene Brown is just the thing you need too.

Gratitude Journal

Posted on by DLeduc

With everything going on in the world it is a fabulous time for people of all ages to start or get back to the practice of keeping a gratitude journal. I was first introduced to the idea in the book Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach 2 decades ago. Since then over the I have kept a gratitude journal on and off.

While some people suggest sitting down with this journal at the end of the day, I find first thing in the morning works best for me. With my morning cuppa tea I simply add 5 things I am grateful for. It is a simple, short ritual that gives you a positive start to your day.

In The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown she discusses wholehearted living and one quality wholehearted people cultivate is gratitude. She claims gratitude is not something you either have or not. Instead, she discusses how wholehearted people practice gratitude and then become more grateful.

Often it is the little things that I am most grateful for. Today’s entries are- 1 . I am grateful that it is the first day of spring 2. I am grateful for sunshine and blue skies 3. I am grateful that Canada is taking Covid-19 seriously 4. I am grateful that I know so many people taking Covid-19 seriously and doing everything they can to prevent it spreading 5. I am grateful to have so many books to read while home practicing social distancing

Keeping a gratitude journal over the years is one tool I would credit for helping me keep a positive outlook. As we face uncertainty in the weeks ahead I would encourage everyone to give this daily habit a try.

Namaste