Until I started reading Daring Greatly, I had no idea I needed to read it. Shame and vulnerability research/awareness wasn’t on my radar; I didn’t know it was a thing. The irony is that vulnerability in particular affects so many of our daily actions and interactions, and I hadn’t put much thought into it at all. So this book falls into the category of books that I think everyone should read.
Brené Brown’s research-based philosophies resonated with me at every turn. Her initial list of 10 Guideposts to Wholehearted Living include letting go of what people think, letting go of perfectionism, letting go of comparison, and letting go of anxiety as a lifestyle, to name a few of my favorites. She not only points out our weaknesses, but coaches us how to work through and past the habits we have that diminish our happiness and productivity. This book allows one to re-focus on the beauty and joys of living a full life, without the BS that eats away at our emotional and mental health, often without us realizing. One of her fundamental tag lines is "You Are Enough", and I can’t think of a more important slogan and guideline for self-compassion, friendship, and parenting. The best part is that she has over a decade of research in her field to back up her ideologies and conclusions.
As an expectant mother, I paid particular attention to her last chapter on Wholehearted parenting. She pointedly explained the concepts of separating shame and guilt, letting children experience adversity, and being the adult that you want your children to be.
Daring Greatly made me excited to bring my new awareness into my relationships and future motherhood experience, and although there is so much more about Brené Brown’s research than I could include here, I recommend this book at the highest level.