Brené Brown is someone you have likely heard others talk about fanatically if you are not the fanatic. I personally and professionally love Brené’s work on shame, relationships, and how to live and love with our whole person. Daring Greatly is one of the books that has distributed Brené’s research to the general public and you don't have to have a social sciences degree to understand, apply, or use in your daily life.
Daring Greatly spends a lot of time prompting you to be real with yourself; As you read Daring Greatly, you are challenged to look at all the parts of your life that you are trying to forget… or that you have worked hard to forget. With Brené’s help you face failures, identity crisis, shame, and unmet needs that you have as a human with boldness and kindness.
As you work through Daring Greatly, you will discuss topics like being intentional with yourself, others, and how to combat shame experiences that happen all day every day. You will explore parts of yourself with a renewed sense of optimism and kindness that can facilitate healing.
I must add a disclaimer, that while Daring Greatly is one of the most encouraging and helpful books I have ever read, it has been a challenge to apply in the most crucial moments. I first read this book in 2015, and the moments where I have been challenged, to be honest, to explore the pain I have experienced and to allow other people into my failures and shame experiences have been the most difficult… and the most healing.
I recommend Daring Greatly for people who are struggling with shame (shame tells us: “I am bad/broken/burdensome") or have difficulties letting people into their life.
Brené will make you laugh with her honesty, challenge your thoughts and beliefs to be real with yourself and others, and inspire practical and applicable steps to live with vulnerability and ultimately dare greatly. As I said, it will take some time to apply; this is not a book you read once and forget about. This book will come back to mind when you do not feel great, or when you are tempted to accept shame from yourself and/or others. You will be challenged to dare greatly for the rest of your life.
“Vulnerability is not based on maturity and requires boundaries and trust. It’s not oversharing, it’s not purging, it’s not indiscriminate disclosure, it’s not celebrity-style social media information dumps. Vulnerability is about sharing our feelings and our experiences with people who have earned the right to hear them. Being vulnerable and open is mutual and an integral part of the trust-building process” (Daring Greatly, p.45).
If you want to see what I am talking about in this post before you purchase Daring Greatly, you can check out her famous TedTalk X Huston (2012), or her Netflix series: A Call to Courage, or her new podcast: Unlocking Us.
Here is the link to get Daring Greatly on Amazon.
©Grayson Wallen 2021. All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions Apply.
Disclaimer: Grayson’s credentials are noted in the footer below. This blog post is not intended to replace therapy or counseling services. While this post may represent psychoeducational content that brings clarity or helps you personally, Grayson encourages you to process your findings and concerns with your mental health counselor and/or other trusted people in your life. If you have questions, comments, or concerns about the content of this post, or want to start counseling please contact Grayson directly.
About the links in this post: The links in this post may be affiliate links, which means that Grayson may receive a commission based on you using the link that Grayson gives you. As an Amazon Associate Grayson can earn from qualifying purchases and costs you nothing.
One Last Note: The content of this post is Grayson's work unless otherwise noted/cited. The content of this blog post is not representative of the opinions of Grayson’s past or present places of employment, partners, board members, employees, contractors, or Grayson's Supervisor(s).
