Through my research, I found that vulnerability is the glue that holds relationships together. It's the magic sauce.

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.

We judge people in areas where we’re vulnerable to shame, especially picking folks who are doing worse than we’re doing. If I feel good about my parenting, I have no interest in judging other people’s choices. If I feel good about my body, I don’t go around making fun of other people’s weight or appearance. We’re hard on each other because we’re using each other as a launching pad out of our own perceived deficiency.

In order for connection to happen, we have to allow ourselves to be seen, really seen.

Think about what’s pleasurable, not just what’s possible.

Shame is the most powerful, master emotion. It's the fear that we're not good enough.

Hope is really a thought.