My friend T is a great guy. He’s always sending me books, books he loves, books he thinks I will love, and it’s so exciting to open a parcel from him. Once he loved a book so much he sent it to me twice by accident and we had a good laugh.
A while back he sent me “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown, and this week I finally got a chance to open it and start reading. What a treasure. I cried and grinned as I read, jotted down notes, underlined sentences, sighed and nodded at so many “me too” moments.
There are gems throughout, but the line I keep thinking about is this:
“Wholehearted living is about engaging in our lives from a place of worthiness.”
a place of worthiness
Not a place of strength, not a place of understanding everything, not a place of wisdom or courage or got-it-all-together-ness. A place of worthiness.
I was staggered by that. Gripped, gutted, stunned, and, as it sunk deep, deep into my soul, healed.
a place of worthiness
I find myself reciting those words as I go through my day, smiling at the instant calm they bring, silently thanking Brené for all the work she did to write them down.
It’s been interesting to think through the things that stress me out and fill me with anxiety. So many of them stem from a place of unworthiness. When I am secure in my worthiness, I don’t wrestle with shame over my weaknesses, I just give myself a hug and deal with them. I don’t worry about what others think, I just try my best. I am not stunned into silence by bullies, I calmly stand up for myself or others.
Looking back I see that it was the ability to make me doubt my worthiness that gave bullies their power, that allowed abusers to treat me shamefully, that made me afraid to love and receive love. Unworthiness breeds doubt, fear, and shame. Worthiness, on the other hand, does the opposite. It anchors confidence, gives oomph to courage, and makes love a beautiful thing.
It’s been such a healing week for me. I feel so thankful for the whole-hearted people in this world who are lights for us in our dark moments. I’m treasuring this deep peace, the inestimable comfort that comes from the assurance of worthiness.
It accompanies me as I pull weeds in my gardens and wash dishes, makes me smile as I apply for new writing jobs and bake bread while the rain falls. It compels me to randomly hug Bear and squeeze him until he laughs. It’s a good, good feeling.
Now I will slice up some lusciously ripe white peaches, finish burning some spoons to ship to America, and watch Arrow episodes with Bear.
Wishing you a beautiful weekend. xo
“Wholehearted living is about engaging in our lives from a place of worthiness.”… what a wonderful thought!
worthiness… such a lovely word and thought and feeling to take through the day… glad for your spontaneous ‘bear hugs’
your bread is a picture of such life!
Isn’t it so good, Liz? Such a comfort to me this week. 🙂
It is a gorgeous word, Susan. 🙂 Like a hug. 🙂
I can almost smell that bread from Sydney 😉
It does smell rather marvelous, Ken. 🙂
You are right Krista. If we feel worthy we can cope with our short-comings because inside we know that we are worthy. I will try and remember that when I feel inadequate.
How good do those slices of bread look. I want to slather butter and freshly made jam on to it, sip tea and read a good book.
Thanks for sharing that inspiring thought.
Worthiness.
I wish so much that we lived close by so I could invite you over for butter and jam and tea and reading on the veranda, Jan. 🙂
Wonderful truth Krista!
Wishing you a great weekend, too, Krista, and completely agree with everything you said in your post. That bread looks good, too! 😉
Julia
I love Brene Brown’s work so pleased that you got a lot out of it. I think I also struggle with feeling worthy. Something to work on in 2016 🙂
what a great term, worthiness! That bread looks amazing 🙂
We are born worthy and life experiences make us question our worthiness. We shouldn’t because we are always worthy. I’d love to read that book. I need reminding often, myself.
It’s so true that a lot of strife and anxiety comes from feeling unworthy. What a timely message for you and how lovely to have a friend who sends you great books xx
Brené Brown really is amazing, I often listen to her YouTube videos when I am feeling uncomfortable with my life. She has a soothing way of making me laugh and be okay with things.
So pleased you are feeling good, this makes me smile!
Hope your weekend was fun! xo
What a lovely and peaceful post. It sounds like you have had a week full of love and grace. Best wishes for a very Merry Christmas!
What a personal and powerful message. Thanks for this beautiful reminder—-“wholehearted living is about engaging in our lives from a place of worthiness.” These words are necessary for daily living. Your pictures of the bread are beautiful. Sending virtual hugs!!