on becoming who you're meant to be

I've just come home from a two-hour speech given by my friend Brené on the topic of becoming who we're meant to be.  My head is reeling from all of the amazing things she said, and I'd love to give you a well thought-out synopsis of her words; however, it's very late, and I think I need to digest everything first.  But I took notes, and I thought I'd share some of my favourite things she said.  I think it's pretty obvious why I'm such a fan:

"There is a myth that says that if we squander our gifts, then it's no big deal, it's just too bad, but that's life.  But I believe there's a penalty -- a price you pay -- for not using your gifts."

"Perfectionism is a destructive, addictive condition that says if you are perfect, you'll never struggle with shame, judgment or blame."

"The most common question we hear in life is 'what do you do?'  I say, refuse to choose.  My answer to that question is now, 'how much time do you have?'"

"Be creative.  There's no such thing as Creative People and Not Creative People -- there are only People Who Choose to Use Their Creative Gifts and People Who Don't.  Remember this:  the only unique things you will ever do in this world will be things which are creative."

And some fabulous quotes she shared:

"We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty."

~Maya Angelou

"Don't ask what the world needs.  Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it.  Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

~Howard Thurman

I also, finally, bought her book.  I can't wait to sink into it.

 Song: Rebirth of slick (cool like dat) by Digable Planets