A Seat at the Table

“Choose courage over comfort…” 

Brené Brown, PhD, LMSW

As I launch my new website, I am reminded of how important it is to let one’s voice be heard on topics that matter, “fire one up”, impact the health and wellness of our communities and are controversial in nature because they disrupt the status quo.

It seems apropos then for my first blog post to discuss the courage it takes to follow one’s dreams, visions and goals, as they require allowing oneself to be vulnerable. When you embrace vulnerability, you open the doors to connection, meaning and purpose. I am a tremendous fan of Brené Brown’s work on courage, vulnerability, empathy and shame. She is my “go to” resource on these topics.

Brené Brown’s research illuminates how “vulnerability involves risk, uncertainty and emotional exposure, and any courageous act we do requires it”.  Whenever I am doing something that takes me out of my comfort zone, I circle back to this definition and own it. Putting one’s story on a public platform can be tough, especially if you are naturally a private person like me. However, I am reminded that many times the catalyst for change in one’s life is finding an empathetic connection with another person and realizing that hey, you can do this too, and you are not alone in the fight. Had Dr. Amy Myers, the Functional Medicine Practitioner, not shared her health journey, I do not know if I would be writing to you today.

Follow the road that is right for you and release yourself from the naysayers. If you find yourself commenting on someone’s work, do your research first and come from a place of kindness and compassion. You can still disagree and hold others accountable without resorting to hurtful and demeaning statements. Always remember that, “no one can make you feel inferior without your consent”. – Eleanor Roosevelt