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Dr. Brené Brown is a
professor and vulnerability
researcher at the University
of Houston Graduate College
of Social Work. Because
vulnerability is at the
center of many thoughts,
feelings, and behaviors, her
research topics cover a
broad range of emotions and
experiences, including
shame, courage, and
authenticity. Brené
writes,
“In our culture,
vulnerability has become
synonymous with weakness. We
associate vulnerability with
emotions like fear, shame,
and scarcity; emotions that
we don’t want to discuss,
even when they profoundly
affect every aspect of our
lives. To reduce our
feelings of vulnerability,
we wake up every morning,
put on our game face, and
rarely take it off - even at
home. We use invulnerability
as a shield to protect us
from uncomfortable emotions
and struggles with anxiety
and self-doubt. But
invulnerability has a price.
Vulnerability is indeed at
the core of difficult
emotions, but it is also the
birthplace of authenticity,
courage, joy, love,
belonging, accountability,
innovation, inspiration,
creativity, and
spirituality. When we avoid
or shut down vulnerability,
we lose access to the
experiences that give
purpose and meaning to our
lives. If we want to change
the way we live, love,
parent, teach, lead
organizations, and build
communities, we have to
start with a conversation
about vulnerability - this
is where our story begins."
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