PoisedBook #1: "Daring Greatly" by Brené Brown

Welcome to the #PoisedBook of the Month, a space where I share one book each month that has inspired, challenged, or transformed me in some way. I created this space to help build a community of readers – maybe a BookClub one day. Whether it's about personal growth, artistry, or mindset shifts, it's always about bringing value to our journey.

My mom presented me with Daring Great, by Brené Brown a couple weeks ago and I devoured it in just two days. If you haven't heard of Brené, she is a researcher and storyteller who has spent years studying vulnerability, courage, and shame. And her work has helped me to reshape the way I see myself, my work, and even my approach to healing.

Daring Greatly is more than just a book – it's a challenge. It was a call to step out of our protective shells and embrace vulnerability as the birthplace of courage, connection, and authenticity. As someone who is rebuilding myself after injuries, a divorce and ageing, pushing forward in my creative career, and opening my life to new experiences, this book came at the perfect time.

Instead of making a thorough review, I want to propose a reading exercise using the five most transformative lessons I learned from Daring Greatly for when you read it. I want to know if you do identify with them:

1. Vulnerability is Strength, Not Weakness

For so long, I associated vulnerability with weakness. I thought showing my struggles, whether in my dance recovery or my creative journey, would make me seem incapable. But Brené teaches that vulnerability is the root of all courage. It takes bravery to show up and be seen, especially when there are no guarantees. This changed the way I share my story online and in real life. How can I trust that those around me will like me for who I am if they've only seen my "good" side? There lies the greatest challenge.

2. Shame Thrives in Secrecy

One of the most eye-opening lessons was about shame. Shame is that little voice that tells us we're not enough, that we don't belong, or that we're failing. But shame only has power when we keep it hidden. Talking about our struggles, naming our fears, and seeking connection is what dismantles shame. Since reading this, I've made a conscious effort to share my challenges more openly, and it has made all the difference. We're always afraid that people will kick us when we're down, when in fact, they'll lift us up at anytime.

3. Perfectionism is a Shield That Holds Us Back

As a dancer, perfectionism has always been a double-edged sword for me. I used to think it made me strive for excellence, but I realized it often just made me afraid to start or share anything unless it was flawless. Daring Greatly helped me understand that perfectionism isn't about self-improvement; it's about fear. Letting go of perfectionism means allowing ourselves to be seen as we are, with all the beauty in our imperfections.

4. Wholehearted Living Requires Setting Boundaries

This one was a game-changer. Being open and vulnerable doesn't mean letting everyone have access to your heart. Brené emphasizes that people who live wholeheartedly also have boundaries of steel. It's about knowing when to say no, protecting our energy, and choosing who we share our deepest selves with. I've started applying this in my personal and professional life, and it has brought so much peace. It pushed a lot of people away too, but everything comes with a price.

5. The Arena is Where Growth Happens

The title Daring Greatly comes from a speech by Theodore Roosevelt about "the man in the arena", the one who dares, who tries, who fails, but who is in the fight. This metaphor resonated deeply with me. Whether it's returning to dance, building my platform, falling in love again, or simply showing up as my authentic self, I want to be in the arena. It's easy to stay on the sidelines, afraid of judgment or failure, but true growth happens when we step in and take the risk.

So, why should you read Daring Greatly? Because if you've ever felt like you're not enough, if you've ever struggled with perfectionism, if you've ever feared being seen for who you truly are, this book will speak to you. It will challenge you, inspire you, and most importantly, give you the tools to embrace a more courageous and authentic life.

Get the book: HERE!

I would love to hear your thoughts if you've read it or if you decide to pick it up. Let's keep this conversation going – because daring greatly is always better when we do it together.