I am an assistant principal in a middle school (grades 6-8). When I have to search a student's cell phone, I often get sick to my stomach at what I find. It gets worse and worse every year.
"I could feel hot, salty tears coming down my face. I sat and cried silently... I was scrunching myself up against the wall as far as I could. All of a sudden, someone from behind us taps on the guy’s shoulder..."
"To the moms and mothers-in-law who say, 'come over,' and bring the kids, and bring the laundry and bring your appetite. To the moms and mothers-in-law who say, 'yes,' when you ask them to your place to watch the kids, help fold clothes or to cook dinner for you and your family on an overpacked day."
"So, get ready to answer your freakin’ door, and you better not be wearing anything other than leggings, a messy pony, yesterday’s make-up, compassion and grace."
Yes, running headlong into heartbreak is running directly into vulnerability. It involves uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure. But, as Brené Brown reminds us, vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity.
"If you're an 'a lot' person like I am. If you bounce around from place to place. If it takes a while for you to settle down, and you lie in bed at night wondering what in the world is wrong with you, and oh-my-gosh why did you say 'you too' when the waiter told you to enjoy your meal. That’s such an odd thing to say. It’s okay. You’re okay. It’s going to be okay."
