Uplifting Brené Brown quotes can remind us that joy is found in everyday moments and that practicing gratitude is key to recognizing the abundance around us. Inktastic Merch’s collection, available at inktasticmerch.com, offers inspiring pieces that encourage you to embrace these lessons and cultivate a life of contentment and self-love.
Uplifting Brené Brown Quotes about Life, Happiness and Love
“I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness – it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.”
Brené Brown
This quote gently reminds us that joy is not always found in grand gestures or monumental achievements. It resides in the quiet moments, the everyday blessings that we often overlook when caught in the pursuit of “more.” Cultivating attention and gratitude allows us to anchor ourselves in the present, recognizing the abundance that already surrounds us.
Daily Practice
- Mindful Observation: Throughout your day, pause intentionally to notice three small things that bring you a sense of peace or contentment. This could be the warmth of the sun, the taste of your morning coffee, or a kind interaction.
- Gratitude Journaling: Before bed, jot down three things you are genuinely grateful for. Focus on the feeling these things evoke, deepening your appreciation.
“Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.”
Brené Brown
Our inner dialogue profoundly shapes our self-perception and emotional landscape. This quote is a powerful invitation to extend the same compassion, kindness, and understanding to ourselves that we so readily offer to those we cherish. It asks us to become our own most ardent ally.
How to Embody These Words
- Self-Compassion Pause: When you notice self-critical thoughts, consciously pause. Ask yourself, “What would I say to a dear friend experiencing this?” Then, offer yourself those same words of kindness and encouragement.
- Affirmations of Love: Repeat gentle affirmations like, “I am worthy of kindness,” or “I offer myself grace and understanding,” particularly during challenging moments.
“Because true belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world, our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self-acceptance.”
Brené Brown
This profound insight connects our deepest human need for belonging to the courage of authenticity. It suggests that the more we accept and embrace our own imperfections, the more genuinely we can connect with others, and the stronger our sense of belonging will become. True acceptance from others begins with our own self-acceptance.
“The dark does not destroy the light; it defines it. It’s our fear of the dark that casts our joy into the shadows.”
Brené Brown
Our experiences of struggle and pain, often perceived as “darkness,” do not diminish our inherent light. Instead, they serve to highlight its brilliance and resilience. It is often our fear of these difficult emotions or experiences, rather than the experiences themselves, that obscures our joy and prevents us from shining.
“What we know matters but who we are matters more.”
Brené Brown
In a world that often values achievement and external validation, this quote shifts the focus to our intrinsic being. It reminds us that our character, our values, and our essence are far more significant than our accomplishments or knowledge. Our humanity is our most valuable asset.
“What’s the greater risk? Letting go of what people think – or letting go of how I feel, what I believe, and who I am?”
Brené Brown
This question challenges us to confront the often-unconscious choices we make between seeking external approval and honoring our internal truth. The risk of losing ourselves in the pursuit of others’ opinions is far more profound than the perceived risk of stepping into our authentic selves.
“Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.”
Brené Brown
Authenticity is not a destination but a continuous, gentle unfolding. It requires us to release the pressures of expectation and comparison, and instead, to cultivate a deep, abiding acceptance of our present self, with all its unique facets.
Daily Practice
- Release the “Shoulds”: Identify one situation today where you feel pressure to be someone you’re not. Consciously choose to respond from your authentic self, even in a small way.
- Embrace Imperfection: When a mistake happens, acknowledge it without harsh judgment. See it as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than a reflection of your inadequacy.
“Empathy has no script. There is no right way or wrong way to do it. It’s simply listening, holding space, withholding judgment, emotionally connecting, and communicating that incredibly healing message of ‘You’re not alone.’”
Brené Brown
Empathy is a profound act of presence and connection, devoid of pretense or prescription. It is about truly meeting another person where they are, offering a safe harbor for their emotions without attempting to fix or judge. The core of empathy is the simple, powerful acknowledgment of shared humanity.
“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”
Brené Brown
This definition of connection moves beyond mere association, highlighting the vital elements of mutual respect, validation, and emotional nourishment. It underscores that genuine connection is a reciprocal flow, a source of strength and vitality that arises when we feel truly accepted and appreciated.
“To love someone fiercely, to believe in something with your whole heart, to celebrate a fleeting moment in time, to fully engage in a life that doesn’t come with guarantees – these are risks that involve vulnerability and often pain. But, I’m learning that recognizing and leaning into the discomfort of vulnerability teaches us how to live with joy, gratitude and grace.”
Brené Brown
This quote beautifully articulates the courageous heart of a full life. It acknowledges that deep engagement, love, and belief inherently carry the risk of hurt. However, it offers a transformative perspective: embracing vulnerability, rather than avoiding it, is the very path to experiencing profound joy, gratitude, and grace.
“We risk missing out on joy when we get too busy chasing down the extraordinary.”
Brené Brown
This sentiment echoes the idea that happiness is often found in the ordinary. When we are perpetually striving for the exceptional, we can become blind to the simple wonders and moments of joy that are present in our everyday lives. It’s a call to slow down and appreciate the richness of the mundane.
“The universe is not short on wake-up calls. We’re just quick to hit the snooze button.”
Brené Brown
Life presents us with opportunities for growth and change, often through challenging circumstances or moments of insight. This quote suggests that we sometimes resist these nudges, preferring the comfort of the familiar, even when it no longer serves us. True growth requires us to awaken to these calls.
“Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”
Brené Brown
This powerful statement suggests that our greatest strengths and resilience are often forged in the crucible of our most challenging experiences. By facing our “darkness”—our fears, our pain, our vulnerabilities—we uncover a depth of inner power and luminosity that would otherwise remain hidden.
“Connection is why we’re here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.”
Brené Brown
At its core, this quote posits that our fundamental human drive and the source of our deepest fulfillment lie in our relationships and our sense of belonging. It elevates connection from a mere social nicety to the very essence of a meaningful existence.
“Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.”
Brené Brown
In moments of uncertainty or difficulty, the simple act of presence can be the most courageous and impactful choice. It signifies our commitment, our willingness to engage, and our belief in the value of being there, even when we feel ill-equipped or uncertain.
How to Embody These Words
- Presence in Difficulty: When a friend or loved one is struggling, resist the urge to offer solutions. Instead, simply offer your presence. Say, “I’m here for you,” and truly be there, listening without judgment.
- Commitment to Self: Show up for yourself, even when it feels hard. This might mean attending a difficult meeting, engaging in a challenging conversation, or simply taking time for self-care when you feel depleted.
“One of the greatest barriers to connection is the cultural importance we place on “going it alone.” Somehow we’ve come to equate success with not needing anyone. Many of us are willing to extend a helping hand, but we’re very reluctant to reach out for help when we need it ourselves. It’s as if we’ve divided the world into “those who offer help” and “those who need help.” The truth is that we are both.”
Brené Brown
This quote critiques the societal narrative that glorifies independence to the point of isolation. It highlights the paradox of our willingness to help others while hesitating to accept help ourselves, suggesting that true strength lies in recognizing our interdependence and embracing the full spectrum of human experience—both giving and receiving.
“Nothing has transformed my life more than realizing that it’s a waste of time to evaluate my worthiness by weighing the reaction of the people in the stands.”
Brené Brown
This realization marks a profound shift from seeking external validation to cultivating internal self-worth. It underscores the futility of basing our value on the opinions and applause of others, urging us instead to anchor our sense of worthiness within ourselves, independent of external judgment.
“Spirituality is recognizing and celebrating that we are all inextricably connected to each other by a power greater than all of us, and that our connection to that power and to one another is grounded in love and compassion. Practicing spirituality brings a sense of perspective, meaning and purpose to our lives.”
Brené Brown
This definition of spirituality emphasizes interconnectedness and love as its foundation. It suggests that a spiritual life involves acknowledging our profound links to something larger than ourselves and to each other, fostering a sense of purpose and perspective that enriches our existence.
“When we fail to set boundaries and hold people accountable, we feel used and mistreated. This is why we sometimes attack who they are, which is far more hurtful than addressing a behavior or a choice.”
Brené Brown
This quote illuminates the critical role of boundaries in maintaining healthy relationships and self-respect. It explains how the absence of clear boundaries can lead to resentment and a tendency to lash out at a person’s identity, rather than addressing specific actions. Setting boundaries is an act of self-care and respectful communication.
“Just because someone isn’t willing or able to love us, it doesn’t mean that we are unlovable.”
Brené Brown
This is a powerful affirmation of inherent worth. It separates the actions or capacity of others from our own fundamental value. It reminds us that another person’s inability to offer love does not diminish our own lovability; it speaks more to their limitations than our own.
“You are imperfect, you are wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.”
Brené Brown
This is a cornerstone affirmation of self-acceptance. It acknowledges the reality of human imperfection and the inevitability of challenges, while firmly asserting our unconditional worthiness. It’s a radical embrace of our whole selves, inviting us to believe in our belonging just as we are.
Daily Practice
- Affirmation of Worth: Begin your day by stating, “I am imperfect, I am wired for struggle, and I am worthy of love and belonging.” Repeat this with gentle conviction, allowing the truth of it to settle within you.
- Challenge Self-Criticism: When you catch yourself engaging in harsh self-judgment, pause and reframe. Remind yourself of this affirmation and acknowledge that struggle is a part of the human experience, not a disqualifier for worth.
“Understanding the difference between healthy striving and perfectionism is critical to laying down the shield and picking up your life. Research shows that perfectionism hampers success. In fact, it’s often the path to depression, anxiety, addiction, and life paralysis.”
Brené Brown
This quote differentiates between the motivating force of healthy ambition and the debilitating grip of perfectionism. It reveals that perfectionism, far from being a virtue, can be a shield against perceived judgment that ultimately hinders growth and leads to significant emotional distress. True progress comes from striving, not from an unattainable ideal.
“Healthy striving is self-focused: “How can I improve?” Perfectionism is other-focused: “What will they think?””
Brené Brown
This concise distinction highlights the internal locus of healthy striving versus the external validation sought by perfectionism. It clarifies that genuine growth is motivated by an inner desire for betterment, while perfectionism is driven by the fear of external judgment, leading to a constant, exhausting pursuit of approval.
“We cannot selectively numb emotions, when we numb the painful emotions, we also numb the positive emotions.”
Brené Brown
This is a fundamental truth about our emotional lives. Attempting to suppress or avoid difficult feelings inevitably dulls our capacity to experience joy, love, and other positive emotions. It suggests that a full, rich emotional experience requires embracing the entire spectrum, the light and the shadow.
“Stop walking through the world looking for confirmation that you don’t belong. You will always find it because you’ve made that your mission. Stop scouring people’s faces for evidence that you’re not enough. You will always find it because you’ve made that your goal. True belonging and self-worth are not goods; we don’t negotiate their value with the world. The truth of who we are lives in our hearts. Our call to courage is to protect our wild heart against constant evaluation, especially our own. No one belongs here more than you.”
Brené Brown
This powerful passage is a call to reclaim our inherent sense of belonging and worth. It challenges the self-defeating patterns of seeking external validation and points towards the internal source of truth and acceptance. The courage lies in trusting our own hearts and protecting our authentic selves from the relentless scrutiny of the world and ourselves.
“What separates privilege from entitlement is gratitude.”
Brené Brown
Gratitude acts as the vital connective tissue between having advantages and appreciating them. Privilege, when met with entitlement, can breed complacency and a lack of empathy. However, when coupled with gratitude, it fosters humility, awareness, and a deeper connection to the human experience.
“Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day.”
Brené Brown
This perspective reframes authenticity not as an innate quality, but as an active, ongoing practice. It requires conscious daily decisions to align our actions and expressions with our true selves, rather than succumbing to external pressures or expectations.
“Want to be happy? Stop trying to be perfect.”
Brené Brown
This is a direct and liberating piece of advice. It suggests that the relentless pursuit of perfection is a significant barrier to happiness. By releasing the need to be flawless, we open ourselves up to greater joy, self-acceptance, and a more authentic experience of life.
How to Embody These Words
- Embrace “Good Enough”: In tasks or projects, consciously aim for “good enough” rather than unattainable perfection. Notice the relief and freedom this brings.
- Reframe Mistakes: When you make an error, instead of dwelling on the flaw, ask, “What did I learn from this?” Shift your focus from the mistake itself to the growth it offers.
“Nostalgia is also a dangerous form of comparison. Think about how often we compare our lives to a memory that nostalgia has so completely edited that it never really existed.”
Brené Brown
Nostalgia, while often comforting, can become a deceptive lens through which we view our present lives. By idealizing the past, we create an unrealistic benchmark, leading to dissatisfaction with our current reality. This quote encourages us to acknowledge the selective nature of memory and to engage with the present with open eyes.
“Compassionate people ask for what they need. They say no when they need to, and when they say yes, they mean it. They’re compassionate because their boundaries keep them out of resentment.”
Brené Brown
This quote beautifully links compassion, both for oneself and others, with the practice of setting healthy boundaries. It reveals that clear communication about needs and limits is not selfish, but rather a vital component of maintaining emotional well-being and preventing the corrosive effects of resentment.
Brené Brown Quotes About Shame and Vulnerability
“Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.”
Brené Brown
This definition strips vulnerability of its common association with weakness. Instead, it frames it as an act of profound courage—the willingness to be fully present and exposed, embracing the uncertainty of how we will be received. It is about daring to be authentic, regardless of the result.
“Staying vulnerable is a risk we have to take if we want to experience connection.”
Brené Brown
This quote highlights the essential link between vulnerability and genuine human connection. It posits that to truly connect with others, we must be willing to lower our defenses and allow ourselves to be seen, even though this openness carries inherent risks. The reward, however, is the possibility of deep, meaningful belonging.
“Shame corrodes the very part of us that believes we are capable of change.”
Brené Brown
Shame is a corrosive force that attacks our sense of self and our belief in our own potential for growth. When shame takes hold, it whispers lies that we are fundamentally flawed and incapable of improvement, thereby paralyzing our ability to evolve and heal.
“I believe that what we regret most are our failures of courage, whether it’s the courage to be kinder, to show up, to say how you feel, to set boundaries, to be good to ourselves. For that reason, regret can be the birthplace of empathy.”
Brené Brown
This quote reframes regret, suggesting that our deepest remorse often stems not from mistakes made, but from opportunities for courage missed. It points to the bravery required in simple acts of kindness, authenticity, and self-care, and paradoxically, suggests that reflecting on these missed opportunities can foster a deeper wellspring of empathy.
“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.”
Brené Brown
This eloquent description captures the essence of vulnerability. It is not about being fragile or weak, but about the strength found in speaking our truth and acting with courage, even when it feels uncomfortable. These qualities, though challenging, are the bedrock of our resilience.
“Perfectionism is a self destructive and addictive belief system that fuels this primary thought: If I look perfect, and do everything perfectly, I can avoid or minimise the painful feelings of shame, judgment, and blame.”
Brené Brown
Perfectionism is presented here not as a pursuit of excellence, but as a defense mechanism rooted in fear. It’s an attempt to shield oneself from vulnerability by creating an impenetrable facade of flawlessness, a strategy that ultimately proves self-defeating and isolating.
“Shame derives its power from being unspeakable.”
Brené Brown
This is a crucial insight into the nature of shame. Its potency lies in its secrecy. When we bring shame into the light, by speaking it aloud and sharing it with a trusted other, we begin to dismantle its power and reclaim our sense of wholeness.
“Shame works like the zoom lens on a camera. When we are feeling shame, the camera is zoomed in tight and all we see is our flawed selves, alone and struggling.”
Brené Brown
This metaphor vividly illustrates how shame distorts our perception. It narrows our focus onto our perceived flaws, magnifying them and obscuring the broader context of our lives, our strengths, and our connections. It creates an illusion of isolation and defectiveness.
“Our stories are not meant for everyone. Hearing them is a privilege, and we should always ask ourselves this before we share: “Who has earned the right to hear my story?” If we have one or two people in our lives who can sit with us and hold space for our shame stories, and love us for our strengths and struggles, we are incredibly lucky. If we have a friend, or small group of friends, or family who embraces our imperfections, vulnerabilities, and power, and fills us with a sense of belonging, we are incredibly lucky.”
Brené Brown
This passage emphasizes the sacredness of our personal narratives, particularly those involving vulnerability and shame. It encourages discernment in sharing, highlighting that true healing occurs when our stories are met with empathy and acceptance by those who have earned our trust. It is a reminder to cherish those who hold space for our whole selves.
“If we can share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can’t survive.”
Brené Brown
This statement offers a powerful antidote to shame: connection through empathetic listening. It underscores that the vulnerability of sharing, when met with genuine understanding, creates an environment where shame cannot persist. It is in being truly heard that we begin to heal.
“When I look at narcissism through the vulnerability lens, I see the shame-based fear of being ordinary. I see the fear of never feeling extraordinary enough to be noticed, to be lovable, to belong, or to cultivate a sense of purpose.”
Brené Brown
This perspective offers a compassionate understanding of narcissistic traits, viewing them not as inherent malice but as a desperate attempt to outrun deep-seated shame. The drive for external validation and grandiosity, in this light, becomes a shield against the terrifying fear of not being enough.
“If you can’t ask for help without self-judgment, you cannot offer help without judging others.”
Brené Brown
This quote reveals a hidden correlation between our internal relationship with vulnerability and our capacity for genuine compassion towards others. If we carry shame around needing support, we are likely to project that judgment onto those we help, undermining the very act of offering assistance.
“Imperfections are not inadequacies; they are reminders that we’re all in this together.”
Brené Brown
This reframing shifts our perception of flaws from personal failings to shared human experiences. Imperfections, when viewed through this lens, become bridges of connection, reminding us of our common humanity and fostering a sense of solidarity rather than isolation.
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.”
Brené Brown
This is a profound declaration of vulnerability’s transformative power. It positions vulnerability not as a weakness to be overcome, but as the fertile ground from which our most cherished human experiences and qualities emerge. It is the essential ingredient for a life lived with depth and meaning.
How to Embody These Words
- Embrace Imperfect Sharing: Identify a small, non-critical imperfection in yourself or your work. Share it openly with a trusted friend or colleague, noticing how it can deepen connection rather than create distance.
- Practice Vulnerable Inquiry: When faced with a challenge, instead of immediately seeking solutions, ask yourself, “What am I feeling right now?” Allow yourself to sit with the emotion without judgment, recognizing it as a doorway to deeper self-understanding.
“A lot of cheap seats in the arena are filled with people who never venture onto the floor. They just hurl mean-spirited criticisms and put-downs from a safe distance. The problem is, when we stop caring what people think and stop feeling hurt by cruelty, we lose our ability to connect. But when we’re defined by what people think, we lose the courage to be vulnerable. Therefore, we need to be selective about the feedback we let into our lives. For me, if you’re not in the arena also getting your ass kicked, I’m not interested in your feedback.”
Brené Brown
This powerful analogy distinguishes between constructive feedback from those engaged in the struggle and unhelpful criticism from detached observers. It emphasizes the importance of discerning whose opinions truly matter—those who are also daring greatly—while protecting ourselves from the negativity of those who offer judgment from the sidelines.
“Vulnerability is not knowing victory or defeat, it’s understanding the necessity of both; it’s engaging. It’s being all in.”
Brené Brown
This definition moves beyond the simple act of being open, framing vulnerability as a commitment to the full experience of life, embracing both its triumphs and its setbacks. It’s about wholehearted engagement, recognizing that true aliveness comes from participating fully, with all its inherent uncertainties.
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.”
Brené Brown
Here, vulnerability is positioned as the essential catalyst for progress and transformation. It suggests that true innovation and creativity flourish not in the comfort of certainty, but in the fertile ground of openness, where new ideas can emerge and change can take root.
“We don’t have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to.”
Brené Brown
This simple yet profound statement is a powerful counterpoint to the myth of rugged individualism. It reminds us of our innate need for connection and support, emphasizing that interdependence is not a weakness but a fundamental aspect of our human design, essential for navigating life’s journey.
Brené Brown Quotes on Courage, Empathy and Staying Strong
“You either walk inside your story and own it or you stand outside your story and hustle for your worthiness.”
Brené Brown
This quote presents a clear dichotomy: embrace your authentic narrative, with all its complexities, or constantly strive for validation from the outside. Owning your story, with its imperfections and triumphs, is the path to genuine self-worth, while “hustling” implies a never-ending, exhausting quest for external approval.
“Courage is contagious. A critical mass of brave leaders is the foundation of an intentionally courageous culture. Every time we are brave with our lives, we make the people around us a little braver and our organizations bolder and stronger.”
Brené Brown
This highlights the ripple effect of courageous action. When individuals dare to be brave, they not only strengthen themselves but also inspire and empower those around them, fostering an environment where courage becomes a shared and amplified force, leading to collective growth and resilience.
“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.”
Brené Brown
This foundational understanding of courage shifts it from grand, heroic acts to the quiet, consistent bravery of presence and authenticity. It suggests that the most significant courage often lies in the simple, yet profound, act of allowing ourselves to be fully visible, with all our imperfections.
“Let go of who you think you’re supposed to be; embrace who you are.”
Brené Brown
This is an invitation to shed the masks of expectation and societal pressure. It encourages a deep acceptance of our authentic selves, recognizing that true peace and fulfillment come not from conforming to an imagined ideal, but from honoring the person we genuinely are.
“There is no innovation and creativity without failure. Period.”
Brené Brown
This stark declaration underscores the inseparable link between innovation and the willingness to risk failure. It reframes setbacks not as endpoints, but as essential stepping stones in the creative process. True innovation demands that we move beyond the fear of falling short.
How to Embody These Words
- Reframe “Failure”: When you encounter a setback, consciously reframe it as a “learning opportunity” or “data collection.” Ask yourself, “What insights can I gather from this experience that will fuel my next attempt?”
- Creative Exploration: Dedicate a small amount of time each week to an activity that involves experimentation, where the outcome is uncertain. This could be anything from trying a new recipe without a strict guide to doodling without a specific goal.
“Until we can receive with an open heart, we’re never really giving with an open heart. When we attach judgment to receiving help, we knowingly or unknowingly attach judgment to giving help.”
Brené Brown
This quote reveals a subtle but crucial connection between receiving and giving. Our ability to offer genuine, judgment-free support to others is deeply intertwined with our capacity to receive help ourselves without shame or self-recrimination. True generosity requires both openness in giving and grace in receiving.
“Faith is a place of mystery, where we find the courage to believe in what we cannot see and the strength to let go of our fear of uncertainty.”
Brené Brown
Faith, in this context, is not solely religious but a broader orientation towards life’s unknowns. It is the courageous act of trusting in possibilities beyond our current understanding, allowing us to navigate uncertainty with resilience rather than fear, finding strength in the unseen.
“When we work from a place, I believe, that says ‘I’m enough,’ then we stop screaming and start listening, we’re kinder and gentler to the people around us, and we’re kinder and gentler to ourselves.”
Brené Brown
This quote highlights the profound impact of self-acceptance on our interactions and inner peace. When we operate from a core belief of sufficiency, our need to prove ourselves diminishes, allowing for greater empathy, compassion, and gentleness in all our relationships, including the one with ourselves.
“Courage is a heart word. The root of the word courage is cor – the Latin word for heart. In one of its earliest forms, the word courage meant “To speak one’s mind by telling all one’s heart.” Over time, this definition has changed, and today, we typically associate courage with heroic and brave deeds. But in my opinion, this definition fails to recognize the inner strength and level of commitment required for us to actually speak honestly and openly about who we are and about our experiences — good and bad. Speaking from our hearts is what I think of as “ordinary courage.””
Brené Brown
This exploration of the etymology of “courage” reveals its deep connection to the heart and authentic expression. It distinguishes between grand, heroic acts and “ordinary courage”—the daily bravery of speaking our truth, sharing our experiences honestly, and being vulnerable from the core of our being.
“When we are willing to risk venturing into the wilderness, and even becoming our own wilderness, we feel the deepest connection to our true self and to what matters the most.”
Brené Brown
This poetic imagery suggests that true self-discovery and connection occur when we embrace the unknown, the untamed aspects of ourselves and our lives. Venturing into this “wilderness” requires courage and a willingness to be with ourselves in a profound way, leading to a deeper understanding of our core being and values.
“I now see how owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.”
Brené Brown
This realization elevates self-acceptance and the integration of our life experiences to the highest form of bravery. It implies that the journey of understanding, accepting, and loving our entire story, not just the parts we deem acceptable, is the ultimate act of courage and self-mastery.
“But true belonging is not something we negotiate or accomplish with others.… It’s a personal commitment that we carry in our hearts.”
Brené Brown
This quote clarifies that genuine belonging is not earned through external validation or social maneuvering. Instead, it is an internal state—a deep-seated sense of self-acceptance and worthiness that we cultivate and carry within ourselves, independent of others’ approval.
“You may not have signed up for a hero’s journey, but the second you fell down, got your butt kicked, suffered a disappointment, screwed up, or felt your heart break, it started. It doesn’t matter whether we are ready for an emotional adventure—hurt happens. And it happens to every single one of us. Without exception. The only decision we get to make is what role we’ll play in our own lives: Do we want to write the story or do we want to hand that power over to someone else? Choosing to write our own story means getting uncomfortable; it’s choosing courage over comfort.”
Brené Brown
This passage acknowledges the universality of struggle and heartbreak, framing these experiences as the inevitable start of our personal hero’s journey. It emphasizes our agency in how we respond to adversity—whether we passively allow circumstances to dictate our narrative or actively choose to author our own story with courage, even when it leads to discomfort.
“Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.”
Brené Brown
This reiterates the definition of vulnerability as an act of courage, emphasizing the bravery required to be fully present and exposed without knowing the result. It powerfully refutes the notion that vulnerability is a sign of weakness, instead positioning it as the ultimate demonstration of inner strength.
“It’s not about ‘what can I accomplish?’ but ‘what do I want to accomplish?’ Paradigm shift.”
Brené Brown
This quote proposes a fundamental shift in motivation, moving from external achievement to internal desire. It suggests that aligning our actions with our genuine aspirations, rather than solely focusing on what is perceived as achievable or impressive, is transformative for our sense of purpose and fulfillment.
“I want to be in the arena. I want to be brave with my life. And when we make the choice to dare greatly, we sign up to get our asses kicked. We can choose courage or we can choose comfort, but we can’t have both. Not at the same time.”
Brené Brown
This is a powerful declaration of commitment to a life lived fully and courageously. It acknowledges that daring greatly—engaging wholeheartedly with life—inevitably involves struggle and discomfort. The choice, the quote asserts, is stark: courage or comfort, but never both simultaneously.
How to Embody These Words
- Identify Your “Arena”: Reflect on an area of your life where you’ve been holding back due to fear of failure or judgment. Identify one small, courageous step you can take to “show up” in that arena this week.
- Embrace Discomfort: When faced with a choice between a comfortable, familiar path and a more challenging, growth-oriented one, consciously choose the latter. Notice the feelings that arise and remind yourself that this is the path of courage.
“To love ourselves and support each other in the process of becoming real is perhaps the greatest single act of daring greatly.”
Brené Brown
This quote elevates self-love and mutual support to the highest form of courageous action. It suggests that the journey toward authenticity—becoming truly “real”—is an act of profound bravery, particularly when undertaken with the compassion of others.
“Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves even when we risk disappointing others.”
Brené Brown
This highlights the intersection of courage, self-love, and boundaries. Setting boundaries is presented not as an act of selfishness, but as a courageous expression of self-respect, even when it means potentially facing disapproval or disappointment from others. It is a testament to prioritizing one’s own well-being.
“When I see people stand fully in their truth, or when I see someone fall down, get back up, and say, ‘Damn. That really hurt, but this is important to me and I’m going in again’—my gut reaction is, ‘What a badass.’”
Brené Brown
This quote celebrates resilience and unwavering commitment in the face of adversity. Witnessing individuals who embody their truth and persevere despite pain inspires deep admiration, reframing setbacks not as defeats but as opportunities to showcase incredible strength and determination.
“We run from grief because loss scares us, yet our hearts reach toward grief because the broken parts want to mend.”
Brené Brown
This passage beautifully captures the complex human response to loss and grief. It acknowledges our natural inclination to avoid pain while also recognizing that healing and wholeness often require us to engage with our grief, allowing our wounded hearts the space to mend.
“Talk about your failures without apologizing.”
Brené Brown
This is a powerful directive for reclaiming our narratives. It encourages us to speak about our experiences of failure not with shame or defensiveness, but with honesty and self-possession. Doing so demystifies failure and reframes it as a natural part of growth and learning.
Daily Practice
- Honest Reflection: Identify a past “failure” or significant setback. Write about it in a journal, focusing on the facts and your experience, without adding apologies or justifications.
- Share a Learning: If appropriate, share a lesson learned from a past struggle with a trusted friend or colleague, framing it as a growth experience rather than a personal failing.
“A crisis highlights all of our fault lines. We can pretend that we have nothing to learn, or we can take this opportunity to own the truth and make a better future for ourselves and others.”
Brené Brown
Crises, while challenging, offer profound opportunities for self-awareness and growth. This quote suggests that during difficult times, our underlying vulnerabilities become apparent. We have a choice: to ignore these insights or to embrace the truth they reveal, using it as a catalyst for positive change and a more resilient future.
“Our job is not to deny the story, but to defy the ending—to rise strong, recognize our story, and rumble with the truth until we get to a place where we think, Yes. This is what happened. And I will choose how the story ends.”
Brené Brown
This is an empowering call to agency over our own narratives. It asserts that while we cannot change the past or deny our experiences, we have the profound power to shape their meaning and impact moving forward. By confronting our stories with courage and truth, we can actively author a more empowering conclusion to our lives.
Brené Brown’s wisdom offers profound insights for navigating life with courage and authenticity. Dive deeper into more powerful words of encouragement by exploring our collection of Inspirational Quotes.