The Courage to Be Real

Daily life is a cacophony dominated by polished images and curated personas. Instareality or Facebook-official have taken over what probably matters. When human interaction can be overtaken by keyboard war, we have gone into a world I don't want to be on anymore.

Alas, I am not jumping off anytime soon.

Brené Brown’s voice pierces through this noise of falseness though, advocating for a raw, unedited existence. It’s less about wearing the right mask and more about daring to remove it, revealing the unvarnished truth beneath. It kind of resonates with some reading I have done from Ellie Middleton in her brilliant book, Unmasked. Everyone should read it.

Vulnerability, a concept often cloaked in misconceptions of weakness, is redefined through Brown’s lens. She invites us to see it as an act of bravery - the courage to step into the arena of uncertainty, armed with nothing but our genuine selves. She whispers a truth we often forget: in our vulnerabilities lie our greatest opportunities for connection and growth.

Perfection, a relentless pursuit in modern times, is unmasked as smoke and mirrors in Brown’s narrative. She gently dismantles the illusion, revealing the beauty in our imperfections and the freedom that comes with releasing the unattainable ideal. Her words suggest that in embracing our imperfections, we find the path to true self-acceptance.

Empathy, in the world according to Brown, is not a scripted response but an art form. It's the ability to coexist with another in their pain, to listen without judgment, and to connect with the core of their experience. She teaches that empathy is the quiet, powerful force that bridges isolated islands, creating a landscape of shared human experience.

Authenticity, a term often tossed around yet rarely understood, finds clarity in Brown’s teachings. It’s not a static state but a dynamic process of daily choices. Brown’s insights encourage us to choose honesty over comfort, reality over façade, and to continuously strive to align our external lives with our internal truths (there's that alignment piece again).

Not only that, but she elevates storytelling from a simple act of recounting to a profound tool for human connection. Our stories, she proposes, are more than narratives; they are the vessels of our lived experiences, carrying the weight of our joys, sorrows, and lessons. I am both a storyreader and a storyteller and I think we should all do both consistently. Indeed, Jon Neale in out recent Edufuturists podcast said that he believes storytelling will be the skill all students of the future will need.

When it comes to authenticity then, in true IDEAS Guy style, we have some questions to ponder:

• What are the true motivations behind my actions and decisions?
• When was the last time I felt vulnerable, and what was my response?
• How do I define my own worth, and do I rely on external validation?
• What parts of my true self am I concealing from others and why?
• In which situations do I struggle to show empathy?
• What does being authentic mean to me, and how often do I feel I truly embody it?
• How do my fears and insecurities hinder my ability to be vulnerable?
• What stories do I tell myself about my life, and how do they influence my actions?
• What are practical ways I can practise greater authenticity in my daily life?
• How do I react to the vulnerability shown by others?

To finish, I have some initial broadstroke takeaways from my long foray into Brené Brown’s work. I have listened, watched, read hundreds if not thousands of hours of her content and am an absolute fanboy (this is quite a theme in my life. Why can't I just moderately like things?). Anyway, this might help:

Vulnerability as Courage
Commit to being present and authentic in your interactions, even when it feels risky or uncomfortable. Recognise that showing your true self, with all its uncertainties and fears, is a powerful act of bravery that fosters genuine connections.

The Imperfection Paradox
Actively work on accepting and embracing your imperfections. Understand that your flaws are integral to who you are; they do not diminish your value but rather contribute to your unique identity and authenticity.

Empathy, the Silent Connector
Make a conscious effort to listen deeply and empathically to others, creating a safe space for shared emotions and experiences. Practise withholding judgment and offering understanding, acknowledging that empathy is a vital tool for building meaningful relationships.

Authenticity as a Daily Choice
Challenge yourself to make choices that reflect your true self, rather than succumbing to external pressures or societal expectations. Acknowledge that authenticity is a continual process of lining up your actions with your beliefs and values.

The Soul of Storytelling
Embrace and share your personal stories, recognising them as valuable insights into your life's journey. Understand that storytelling is not just about recounting events but about expressing the deeper truths and lessons learned along the way.

And if you don't believe me that she's awesome (and have lived under a rock in not seeing her stuff), trust the 63million people who have viewed her TED talk. Just saying.

‍