Choosing Vulnerability

Choosing Vulnerability

Bruné Browns Advice for Living Whole Heartedly

Well, it is no secret I took time away from my blog. I have talked about my issues with authenticity and emotional detachment. I am seeing a therapist now, and I have made great strides. I can feel my emotions! She recommended a book by Brené Brown called, The Power of Vulnerability.

I can’t say this journey has been easy. I have never been able to accept that feelings are normal and not a sign of weakness. So when I looked for the book and saw it was an almost 7-hour long audiobook, I said, no way am I listening to some chick speak about vulnerability for 7 hours! I did, though, find a Ted Talk that was only about 20 mins long, and I thought to myself, what a great alternative!

The Ted Talk was excellent. Brené blew me away. She was fun and relatable, and she despised vulnerability as much as I did. But, she made excellent points and convinced me that I needed to buy the audiobook.

I am so glad I did. I learned so much about myself. I have come to find out that I avoid all feelings, even happiness, and joy. I also learned that I am vulnerable in ways I didn’t know. I also discovered the shields I use against vulnerability and how to recognize when I do so and change my practice.

Brené gives mantras to help you manage challenging situations, and I have shared them several times with my family and friends. She encourages us to make our mantras as well. One that I have written on a note on my computer says, “I am not responsible for other people’s emotions.” I need that reminder often. One of hers I love and use is, “Choose discomfort over resentment.”

I took so many notes, and I will be reading more of her work. If you struggle with any vulnerability or confidence problems, I recommend this book. I could go on all day about the things in this book, but I linked the Ted Talk below as a sample.

Have you read any of Brené Brown’s books?

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New Year, New You

New Year, New You

Tools To Help Guide the Way

Last year I wanted to make some changes in my life. I dove deeper into the bible and created a profound and meaningful relationship with Jesus. I also started reading and listening to books that would change my mindset. I realized the things I struggle with, self-doubt, being authentic, and being vulnerable in any form, and I am working towards correcting them. I have been doing a lot of self-reflection and, though I am still a work in progress, I have learned so much about myself and why I feel and think the way I do. I wanted to share a few resources that helped me to be a better version of myself!

One app that really helped me to dive deeper in to the bible was my, You Version Bible App. The app is awesome because not only can you read the bible from your phone, but you can listen, highlight, make notes, and create images out of the scriptures. They offer tons of bible plans, for all ages, that you can choose to do alone or with friends. Juliet and I use it in our home school bible class and the boys and I do our own bible plans at night before bed. You Version also tracks your bible activity so you can see how many days you spend in the bible. This has helped me stay on track with my bible reading goals.

One of my favorite books that has helped me see my self in a new light is the audio book, Girl, Stop Apologizing. As I mentioned in one of my previous posts, this book was such an eye-opener for me in many ways. The book is narrated by the author, Rachel Hollis, and she does a wonderful job at knocking you upside the head with convicting truth about why we, as women, need to get out of our comfort zones and start chasing the things we desire so we can live our best lives. She is so motivating and so relatable that she makes it easy to hear these things about ourselves. I have to admit, at some points, I felt like she was speaking directly to me! I think every woman should read this, and if you are a man who needs some encouragement jammed into your head as well, this book will do it!

I just finished an Audible original called, Take Control of Your Life, by Mel Robbins. In this audio book, Mel takes us along as she dives deep into coaching sessions with six individuals and gives us awesome takeaways that we can apply to our own lives to help us stop living in fear and start changing our mindsets! I learned so much about myself listening to this audio book. Mel asks us to name our biggest fear and to recognize what our bodies do in response so we can change our reaction to fear. I saw a little of myself in all the sessions and learned some great tips on how to move forward in different situations.

If you are looking to start your new year off on the right foot, I recommend these resources. The first step in changing your direction in this new year is carving out time to spend in God’s word and learning practical ways to apply it to your everyday life. After that, do some self reflection and take a look at yourself, admit what needs to be changed, then arm your self with the tools to get it done. Lastly, motivation is key, but you can leave that part to Rachel and Mel!

Sunset on the lake

A Book Worth Hearing

A Book Worth Hearing

One of the goals I decided to really pursue this year was to read more. I ended last year with four books. I know, I know, that is not a large number. In my defense, I have two little dudes who do not give me much time for my own reading choices and a pre-teen who loves to chat for hours on end about what is going on in her current favorite anime. One thing I have found that helped me this year was Audible. I like that I can listen to books while I drive to the gym since it is a half-hour away, I live in the boondocks remember? It works out for me and I am able to finish books.

I have found that some books are better read aloud to me. The audible book Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis has been one of my favorite books to listen to. First of all, this book is pure fire and I think every woman should read it.  I know some men that would benefit from reading this book. Rachel does an amazing job at reading it. She is able to really drive her points home. I mean, they are her words and there is just something about the message being delivered by the author that was super motivating. Especially when the author is a fire cracker with enormous personality. Rachel’s personality comes to life in her reading and this is a book you should definitely listen to!

I am so glad I choose to listen to Girl, Stop Apologizing. Not all audiobooks are good for listening, maybe I just need the energy and life Rachel brings to the table to keep me engaged and listening. I have recommended this book to friends and you can bet I will be listening to it again!

Have you read it? What’s your take on audiobooks and do you have any recommendations?