One of my most respected teachers is Dr. Brene Brown. I’ve quoted her work in the past, she is a social scientist who is doing phenomenal work in the world. Truly incredible work. It is work that aligns with my own philosophy’s and the way that I see the world. I have only recently began to dive into her books. I am in awe of her research findings and how she is able to break down and articulate the ways in which shame and the resistance to being vulnerable have limited our ability to live a wholehearted life.
I can tell you that for essentially my whole life, I lived from a place of worthlessness. I felt I was unworthy of being treated well, of earning a paycheck that was substantial, of having friends in my life that treated me well. I felt so unworthy of being smart, of being taken seriously and of being respected.
Being unworthy kept me from achieving the life I desperately wanted. It kept me feeling like I wasn’t enough.
I kept living like that – small and feeling unlovable – until a few years ago. I decided I wanted to feel worthy. So I started shifting my thoughts on myself. You can reference my other posts of You Are Enough and The Power Of Your Thoughts, to get a fuller picture of practices that I implemented as I begun to dig myself out of feeling unworthy. I have to mention it is a continuous practice, one that will be with me for my life. But I have come leaps and bounds from where I once was.
What Does It Means To Live A Wholehearted Life?
According to Dr. Brene Brown living a wholehearted life means stepping – with both feet – into allowing ourselves to be vulnerable in ALL of life. It also means living a life of feeling worthy. Recognizing due to life circumstances, race, sex and life experiences that would look different for everyone. Regardless, these are the 10 guide posts she has identified for living a wholehearted life.
1) Cultivating Authenticity = Letting Go Of What People Think
2) Cultivating Self compassion = Letting Go Of Perfectionism
3) Cultivating A Resilient Spirit = Letting Go of Numbing and Powerlessness
4) Cultivating Gratitude & Joy = Letting Go Of Scarcity and Fear Of The Dark
5) Cultivating Intuition & Trusting Faith = Letting Go Of The Need For Certainty
6) Cultivating Creativity = Letting Go Of Comparison
7) Cultivating Play & Rest = Letting Go Of Exhaustion As A Status Symbol & Productivity As Self Worth
8) Cultivating Calm & Stillness = Letting Go Of Anxiety As A Life Style
9) Cultivating Meaningful Work = Letting Go Of Self Doubt & Supposed To
10) Cultivating Laughter Song & Dance = Letting Go Of Being Cool and Always In Control
I recommend having an honest conversation with yourself about where you land on each one. And only tackle them slowly and without judgment. Attempt to sustain a sense of gentleness and compassion so that you can be successful at honestly moving through them.
You’re worthy of feeling wholehearted.
with love
NoelleP.S If you find these messages beneficial, please help me share my message. Forward to a Friend, Follow my blog, or share on FB.