There is no such thing as creative and non-creative people, only people who use their creativity and people who don't.

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.

Those who have a strong sense of love and belonging have the courage to be imperfect.

When you ask people about love, they tell you about heartbreak.

Staying vulnerable is a risk we have to take if we want to experience connection.

Raising children who are hopeful and who have the courage to be vulnerable means stepping back and letting them experience disappointment, deal with conflict, learn how to assert themselves, and have the opportunity to fail. If we’re always following our children into the arena, hushing the critics, and assuring their victory, they’ll never learn that they have the ability to dare greatly on their own.

Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy.