Do you know Brene Brown’s #1 New York Times bestseller times four? Everyone

does. She is the wise big sister who doesn’t mind getting in your face and challenging you

on your stuff.

             She’s a sound mind, kind of funny. Popular to boot, but not Insta “influency” at all.

She is badass: Collected. Smart. Well studied. Experienced. Relatable.

             Her research on vulnerability, shame, and courage is intriguing and life-changing. I

stumbled upon The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone

BRAVING THE WILDERNESS–magnetized to its title because of my writings centered

around walking

through a wilderness experience. Brown makes authentic arguments around trusting the

wilderness experience. According to Brown, the wilderness is an uncharted, unmetered space

where we exist alone while simultaneously standing in our truth without compromising,

living outside of one’s integrity.

            Juxtaposed against the wilderness is the idea of belonging–not to be confused with

fitting in. Her claims steeped in research, personal experiences, and self-awareness encase

unrelenting courage.

            My soul connects with hers as she tells the story of sitting with Oprah for a Super

Soul Segment and afterward being told that Maya Angelo was in the building. When asked

if she would like to meet her, I sobbed, touched by her interaction with Auntie Maya, who

shook her hand and downloaded some beautiful wisdom expounded from a living tree of

knowledge.

          Of course, as a literature teacher, it’s not outside my norm to read a book several

times; my goal is to read BRAVING THE WILDERNESS again and again. I’m bound to find

something new to challenge my vulnerabilities and courage.