The phrase "What makes you come alive? What makes you want to get up in the morning?" is not just a thought-provoking question posed by renowned author and liturgist, Gary Thomas, but it's one that has captured the hearts and minds of millions worldwide, thanks to its touching interpretation by philosopher, author, and public speaker, Brené Brown in her 2010 TED Talk. Brown's powerful message encapsulated in "The Power of Vulnerability" has inspired many to seek out their passions, embrace their authenticity, and live life with unabashed courage and vulnerability.
In a world filled with prescribed norms, expectations, and societal pressures, it's easy to lose sight of what truly ignites our spirit. Yet, Brown's iconic TED Talk serves as a profound reminder that the key to a life fully lived lies in understanding and pursuing 'The Call to Courage'®. So, let's delve into the heart of Brené Brown's TED Talk and explore what makes us truly come alive.
Understanding the Call to Courage
At the core of Brown's TED Talk lies the principle of 'The Call to Courage', a radical idea positing that courage is not the absence of fear but rather the willingness to show up, to be seen, and to live vida abundante (the good life), even when we are afraid. Courage, here, is not about strength or lack of fear, but about vulnerability and authenticity.
In a world that often equates courage with fearlessness, Brown's definition can seem counterintuitive. But it's precisely this mindset shift that enables us to understand that what makes us 'come alive' is not found in the lack of struggle or uncertainty but in our ability to embrace them with vulnerability and resilience.
Vulnerability: The Core of Courage
For Brown, vulnerability is the heartbeat of courage. It's the willingness to show up, to be seen, and to embrace the reality that we're all imperfect, fallible beings. It's about genuine self-connection - to our values, to our emotions, to our spirits - that allows us to live authentically, independent of the need for validation from others.
Brown argues that vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but our greatest strength. It's the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change. By embracing vulnerability, we open ourselves up to the full spectrum of human experience - joy, gratitude, faith, and love. And when we are brave enough to embrace the 'whole heart', as Brown puts it, we can live a life of wholehearted engagement.
The Power of Wholehearted Living
Wholehearted living, as defined by Brown, is a life characterized by a strong sense of purpose, deep connections with others, courage to be vulnerable, and the ability to value and appreciate both the exposure and safety; the struggle and the progress; the challenges and the triumphs.
At its core, wholeheartedness is rooted in self-compassion, self-acceptance, and the courage to allow ourselves to be seen and heard. It's about letting go of the 'I'm not _ enough' mindset - not smart enough, not talented enough, not thin enough - and instead embracing the truth that we are enough. And it's this self-acceptance that allows us to not only 'come alive' but to thrive in our lives.
The Path to Wholeheartedness
Understanding that what makes us come alive is, in many ways, already inside us - our courage, our vulnerability, our authenticity - is only the first step. The real work is in cultivating these qualities and weaving them into the fabric of our daily lives.
This, indeed, is the path to wholeheartedness. It's about choosing vulnerability over perfectionism; it's about seeking out connection even when we feel hurt or ashamed; it's about believing that we are worthy, that we are enough, rather than striving for validation from others.
Embracing Uncertainty
At the heart of the path to wholeheartedness is the willingness to embrace uncertainty. The courage to step into the unknown, trusting that we have what it takes to navigate change, to grow, to adapt, and to evolve.
This is not a process that happens overnight. It's a journey, one that requires relentless self-awareness, commitment, and, above all, courage. But it's a journey that, as Brown's TED Talk so eloquently testament, is worth pursuing. For it is in embracing our vulnerability, our courage, and our wholeheartedness that we discover 'What makes us come alive'.
Brené Brown's TED Talk serves as a powerful reminder that life, in all its messiness and unpredictability, is a gift. It's a call to courage, to vulnerability, to authenticity - to embracing what makes us human and what makes us come alive. So, the next time you find yourself asking 'What makes me want to get up in the morning?', remember - it's your courage, your vulnerability, your wholeheartedness. Because, indeed, that's what makes you 'come alive'.