I had a strange dream last night that found me running through a crowded restaurant topless, clutching a napkin in front of my chest.
Was it just something I ate…or was my subconscious processing the vulnerability I have been feeling about sharing some of my life story in the recently published Journey to Joy book?
Ever since I sent my chapter off to the publisher, I have been experiencing twangs of regret. Maybe I should not have revealed that my parents were poor, and did not support my dream of becoming a writer. Maybe I should not have told the truth about how I got involved with a married man, then failed miserably at making him happy. Maybe I will look foolish when I say that it took me nearly 50 years of mistakes before I started to create some joy in my life.
Sure, my business coach, Suzanne Evans, told me that the best way to connect with people is to “share my mess”…but maybe this time I went too far.
Thankfully, I happened to pick up the June issue of the Oprah magazine last night, so I know that I am not alone with these feelings of vulnerability.
Oprah had a fascinating interview with Brene Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston who has made a life’s work of studying vulnerability.
From that interview, I learned that vulnerability is the key to creating more connection, creativity and joy in our lives. Nobody said it would be easy, but having the courage to show up and be seen is essential if you want to live an authentic, meaningful life.
I could tell you more, but I think it would be better for you to hear it first-hand. Here is the video of Brene Brown’s TED talk that outed her vulnerability and launched her path to celebrity and a live appearance on Oprah.
P.S. Our Journey to Joy book became an Amazon #1 best-seller. Ask me how you can get an autographed copy.
