Awkward, Brave and Kind in 2020
Brené Brown
University of Houston + University of Texas at Austin | Researcher. Storyteller. Courage-builder.
These aren’t easy for me - especially if being predictable and consistent are important. But I’m going to keep crawling my way back to them in 2020. Especially when I’m tempted to act cool OR choose comfort over that crappy, hard conversation OR when I’m dying to be judge-y and blame-y instead of empathic and compassionate.
I’m going to try a lot of new things in 2020 and that feels scary which is often the necessary springboard for awkward and brave. It’s easy to get to that place where we only do things that we’re already good at doing. I love that place. But it’s not good for me. So, I’m choosing to go back to the 7th grade cafeteria and carry my tray as best I can given my sweaty hands and anxiety-prone introversion. I need to seek out a couple of new tables with new challenges and opportunities. Dammit.
As far as kindness goes - that will need to start with a healthy dose of self-kindness. I know. Sounds cheesy. But, I’ve learned that it’s easier to dismiss that concept as woo-hoo bullshit than it is to actually practice it. After I wrangle on my oxygen mask, I’m committed to extending that same imperfect grace to others. I’ve learned that gasping for air while volunteering to give others CPR is not heroic. It’s suffocation by resentment.
As we shut down 2019 and welcome 2020, I want to thank all of you for your support, questions, challenges, teaching, and community-building.
We don’t need to do awkward, brave, and kind alone. We were never meant to.
Program Manager II | DEI & Amazon AG Global Board of Directors PWD [Dir. Recruiting/Neurodiversity] and Mental Health & Well-Being [Dir. Corp Comms]
3 年None of us knew what lay ahead, but kindness was the right call. Kindness to self, others in our lives and our communities. You called it well for 2020!! Timeless wisdom needed everyday, now more than ever. ??
NerveLink Solutions ?? Privacy & Identity Management ?? Data Security ?? Business Growth Solutions ?? IT Manager
4 年This is an inspiring piece! I had fun reading it and it's important to always remember to go back to things that make you, you! And while doing the actions you're already good at, don't be afraid to try out something new for yourself.
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4 年This is the way .Congratulations Katie?
Real estate investor at Purple ribbon properties
4 年Love it