I am a self-confessed TED Talk Junkee, but this one by Brene Brown is especially poignant for me.

The message: you HAVE to share the story of who you are, with your whole heart.

In a world where I am often labeled as “emotional,” or “idealistic,” or “heady,” I feel validated by the measuring stick of research, that vulnerability is not only necessary, “but also the birthplace of joy, creativity, and love.” Thanks Brene!

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Watch the video and tell me what you think! It’s disarmingly truthful and insightful.

In 2005, I had my own breakdown/spiritual awakening. I literally had to leave the country to give myself the space to discover myself outside the roar of expectations spinning around me in my own culture. I was so embedded in the ideas around me, I couldn’t hear the whisper of my own being in the midst of all the conflicting messages from my family, society, religion, and so on. I needed to write my own definition of love, starting with how I wanted to live my life. I resolved to live each day with intention, compassion, and joy. And most importantly–vulnerablity.