Launching your child into the world on their own is scary. You begin to wonder, question, hope, pray…Did I not just tell them but also show them how to be confident, authentic, considerate, compassionate, hard working and loyal? Did I teach them the importance of balance, setting boundaries with others, prioritizing self care, being accountable… showing up for yourself, your responsibilities, and others in a way that those lessons have become core values? Did I give them the courage to try, fail, and try again? Did I provide for them the foundation for what Brene Brown refers to as guideposts for wholehearted living in her book Daring Greatly?

10 Guideposts for Wholehearted Living:

  1. Cultivating Authenticity
  2. Cultivating Self- Compassion
  3. Cultivating a Resilient Spirit
  4. Cultivating Gratitude and Joy
  5. Cultivating Intuition and Trusting Faith
  6. Cultivating Creativity
  7. Cultivating Play and Rest
  8. Cultivating Calm and Stillness
  9. Cultivating Meaningful Work
  10. Cultivating Laughter, Song and Dance

All of us can practice her guideposts for wholehearted living through honest self-awareness, mindful choice, commitment to doing the work and great courage to grow through life’s many detours, challenges,  disappointments and next chapters with strength, resilience and the resolve to be the best possible versions of ourselves. These guideposts can guide us whether we are launching a child, a career, a passion project or a new chapter. Letting go is what we must do to embrace and learn from our vulnerabilities.