Book No. 2: Braving the Wilderness by Brene Brown
Author: Brene Brown
Big Picture
As human beings, we want to belong; even the most independent of us. This book explains how important and challenging it can be to first belong to oneself. It really gets to the crux of some of the social issues we face as a community and the world at large. It delves into the political unsettlements of today and how finding a belongingness is not an easy task. And it does it through the backing of research. It’s not just opinions she’s sharing, she’s researched the topic and is presenting you with her findings. It serves as a powerful and timely reminder that we MUST NOT stop talking to one another just because we do not agree with one another. On the contrary, we must talk more. It is excellent, eye opening and one that everyone should read. Although political conversations do take place in the book, you will enjoy it even if you are not politically inclined.
Big Takeaway
My biggest takeaway was to remember to reach to the other side, you know, the side you sometimes want to punch in the face because it’s nearly impossible to get any kind of logic through to them? Yea, that side. Although I try to be conscience of not segregating people even when I disagree with them, the book reminded me to be more aware of my day to day behavior. There is a portion of the book that really hit home with me:
Once we’ve found the courage to stand lone, to say what we believe and do what we feel is right despite the criticism and fear, we may leave the wilderness, but the will has marked our hearts. That doesn’t mean the wilderness is no longer difficult, it means that once we’ve braved it on our on, we will be painfully aware of our choices moving forward.
Yes. Yes. Yes.
I believe that wholeheartedly as well!
Favorite Quotes
“… I started working on a no-gossip practice. Damn, that was lonely at first. But it was also painfully educational. It was only a matter of weeks before I realized that several of my connections, but I thought of as real friendships, we’re found it entirely I’m talking about other people. Once that was gone, we had nothing in common and nothing to talk about.”
“Numerous studies confirm that it’s not the quantity of friends but the quality of a few relationships that actually matters.”
“Spirituality is recognizing and celebrating that we are all inextricably connected to each other by a power greater than all of us, and that our connection to that power and to one another is grounded in love and compassion.”
“If we’ve hunkered down ideologically and geographically with people who perceive to be just like us, doesn’t that mean that we’ve surrounded ourselves with friends and people with who we feel deeply connected? Shouldn’t “You’re either with us or against us” have led to closer ties among the like-minded? The answer to these questions is a resounding and surprising no.”
Recommendation
Yes, I absolutely recommend everyone above the age of 21 to read this book. You have to get past the first few chapters of excessive cursing, Mark Manson is trying to make a point. But once you do get past it, it is quite illuminating. The book is simple but profound, not necessarily in a “I never thought of that” kind of way, but more of a “I really need to think of this way more”.
It is a VERY easy read and will take no time at all. But I wouldn’t rush through it. In fact, I took some time reading it because I wanted different aspects of what the author talks about to truly sink in so I could have time to reflect on it.
Until the next book, Happy Reading!
What I Think I Say 