#olcbrenecourse

Join me on a messy and glorious six week journey as I complete Brené Brown's, Ph.D., LMSW course on The Gifts of Imperfection.  As a counselor I encourage people to make this big giant scary journey on a daily basis and I figured it's probably about time I not only get on the bus but I drive that sucker - this time I will be making the journey from "what will people think?" to "I am not enough."  There are 12 lessons along with art journal activities that I will be posting on this blog, feel free to participate in each lesson and share your own creations.

Getting Started

(these are the things Brené recommends to start the course)

1.  Double Sided Sticky Tape

2.  Journal that is sturdy enough for watercolors (100lb paper)

3.  The Book, The Gifts of Imperfection

4.  Watercolors

5.  A variety of markers, colored pencils, etc.

then....

Set an Intention....

Brene's Intention:

"I will carry courage, compassion and connection in my heart while on this journey. Even when the road is bumpy. Even when I'm so busy that I feel behind. Even though there is really no 'getting behind' in this course. And, especially when I start to compare and judge myself. Courage, compassion and connection will be my constant companions."

My Intention:

I will finish each part of this journey in the most wholehearted and authentic way possible, I will allow myself to be vulnerable and emotional, I will stay in my own lane and not compare my potentially shitty water-coloring to all of the wonderful people that #olcbrenecourse, I will take my counselor hat off and get messy.

I think I'm ready....

A Random Act of Kindness for Wordless Wednesday

When was the last time someone reached out to you and performed a random act of kindness? I was pleasantly surprised when a complete stranger recently did something thoughtful for me just when I needed it most. As a result of her good-hearted deed, I plan to honor her by paying it forward.

As thought leaders, we sometimes forget the view, taking a moment to acknowledge the people around us via…

Out in the Cold, But No Thin Ice Here – Twinkle Lights

I took this picture in Rice Park at the 2014 St. Paul Winter Carnival on January 31st and the temperature was well below zero. There was a live band outside that evening complete with an ice bar and ice sculptures. We didn’t stay long, but we did get some great pictures.

The lights are so beautiful and remind me of a quote by Brené Brown from her book called “The Gifts of Imperfection.” A while…

Innovation: The Truth About Creativity

Is Creativity an important component of innovation? Find out here.

I’ve been taking part two of a course based on a book called; “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown. Brown has spent the past 10-15 years researching topics like courage, vulnerability and authenticity. One of our first assignments was to think about the gifts that come to us as the result of our own creativity.

The book…

Brené Brown

from her Ted Talk: The power of vulnerability