I’ve been sitting with this book for a couple of years now, expecting it to be a deeper introspection than I had emotional capacity for at the time. I have enjoyed Brene Brown’s work through her TED talks, podcast, and other written works, and this one feels different. More precise, as she says in the title – an atlas.
The outline of the book is this – “Human emotions and experiences are layers of biology, biography behavior, and backstory.” And then, she digs into each of these four areas with stories, examples, and wisdom through her research. There are many points for reflection; I leave those to your personal journey.
One quote to give you a taste- “the idea of “no regrets” doesn’t mean living with courage; it means living without reflection.”
And two points that are worthy of consideration: “Vulnerability is the first thing we look for in others and the last thing we want to show them about ourselves.” And that hope is a cognitive construct; it can be taught. Hopelessness is an emotion, and it is experienced.
Read and soak in this one. It’s filled with growth and discovery.
Judy Hissong, CLM
Judy Hissong is the President of Nesso Strategies. A former law firm Chief Operating Officer, she helps firms become more profitable by advising leaders in strategic and leadership development challenges. Her mission is “world domination for Good.” By creating actionable, lightbulb moments that leaders want to share and spread, she intends to improve the world one person at a time. When she’s not speaking, training and consulting, Judy teaches quarterly online workshops and facilitates Leaders Lab, a monthly video conference that enables small groups of leaders to brainstorm strategies and solutions to work through common issues that keep firms stuck. Learn more at www.nessostrategies.com.
