Vulnerability is the core of shame and fear and our struggle for worthiness, but it appears that it's also the birthplace of joy, of creativity, of belonging, of love.

Connection is why we're here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives. The power that connection holds in our lives was confirmed when the main concern about connection emerged as the fear of disconnection; the fear that something we have done or failed to do, something about who we are or where we come from, has made us unlovable and unworthy of connection.

It's hard to practice compassion when we're struggling with our authenticity or when our own worthiness is off-balance.

Joy comes to us in moments--ordina ry moments. We risk missing out on joy when we get too busy chasing down the extraordinary.

You are imperfect, you are wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.

Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others.

Maybe stories are just data with a soul.