December Food-For-Thought: A New Year's Manifesto

As we close the chapter on 2024, we carry forward the lessons learned and turn to the blank canvas of a new one. It’s time to rise—with courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to live bravely.

Each month, we share recommended books, media and inspiration to fee our minds, bodies and souls. This month, we are sharing Brené Brown’s Manifesto of the Brave and Brokenhearted reminds us of the power in owning our stories and meeting each day with strength. Let this be the year we rise.

New Year's Manifesto For the Brave & Brokenhearted

By Brene Brown

There is no greater threat to the critics

and cynics and fearmongers

than those of us who are willing to fall

because we have learned how to rise.

With skinned knees and bruised hearts;

we choose owning our stories of struggle,

over hiding, over hustling, over pretending.

When we deny our stories, they define us.

When we run free from struggle, we are never free.

So we turn toward truth and look it in the eye.

We will not be characters in our stories.

Not villians, not victims, not even heroes.

We are the authors of our lives.

We write our own daring endings.

We craft love from heartbreak,

compassion from shame,

grace from dissapointment,

courage from failure.

Showing up is our power.

Story is our way home. Truth is our song.

We are the brave and brokenhearted.

We are rising strong.