One of the most painfully inauthentic ways we show up in our lives sometimes is saying "yes" when we mean "no," and saying "no" when we mean "hell yes." I'm the oldest of four, a people-pleaser - that's the good girl straitjacket that I wear sometimes. I spent a lot of my life saying yes all the time and then being pissed off and resentful.

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.

When perfectionism is driving us, shame is riding shotgun and fear is that annoying backseat driver!

That's really part of being a grounded theory researcher - putting names to concepts and experiences that people have.

Vulnerability is the core, the heart, the center, of meaningful human experience.

Loving and accepting ourselves are the ultimate acts of courage.

Our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self acceptance.