Most people believe vulnerability is weakness. But really vulnerability is Courage. We must ask ourselves...are we willing to show up and be seen.

Then I tell my own story. The two things that people really need to transform is language to understand their experience and to know they're not alone. It's the combination of the researcher-storyteller part.

Healthy striving is self-focused: "How can I improve?" Perfectionism is other-focused: "What will they think?"

If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.

If you own this story you get to write the ending.

If you're also in the arena and you're putting your ideas out and you're owning them and you're saying "I disagree with you about this and that, I think you've got this wrong" - then not only do I invite that, I freaking love that. I love that. I'm an academic. I'm hardwired for a good debate.

Vulnerability is not weakness. And that myth is profoundly dangerous.