One of the greatest barriers to connection is the cultural importance we place on "going it alone." Somehow we've come to equate success with not needing anyone. Many of us are willing to extend a helping hand, but we're very reluctant to reach out for help when we need it ourselves. It's as if we've divided the world into "those who offer help" and "those who need help." The truth is that we are both.

Loving and accepting ourselves are the ultimate acts of courage.

Shame corrodes the very part of us that believes we are capable of change.

I'm an academic. I'm hardwired for a good debate.

There was only one variable that separated the people who have a strong sense of love and belonging and the people who really struggle for it. And that was, the people who have a strong sense of love and belonging believe they're worthy of love and belonging. That's it. They believe they're worthy.

We're raising children who have little tolerance for disappointment

Joy, collected over time, fuels resilience - ensuring we'll have reservoirs of emotional strength when hard things do happen.