Courage is telling our story Meaning Factcheck Usage
Rate this quotes

Courage is telling our story is about radical honesty. It’s the kind of bravery that transforms your life from the inside out, moving you from a place of fear to one of genuine connection.

Share Image Quote:

Table of Contents

Meaning

At its core, this quote redefines courage not as a grand, heroic act, but as the vulnerable, daily practice of sharing your authentic self—flaws, failures, and all.

Explanation

Let me tell you, we’ve been sold a lie about courage. We think it’s about slaying dragons or climbing mountains. But the real, gut-level work? It’s sitting across from someone and saying, “Here’s where I messed up. Here’s what I’m ashamed of.” That’s the stuff that actually changes things. It’s about choosing to be seen, truly seen, when every fiber of your being is screaming to put on the armor and pretend you have it all together. That vulnerability, that’s the real battlefield.

Quote Summary

ContextAttributes
Original LanguageEnglish (3668)
CategoryWisdom (385)
Topicscourage (145), story (19)
Literary Styleminimalist (442)
Emotion / Moodinspiring (392)
Overall Quote Score72 (65)
Reading Level28
Aesthetic Score74

Origin & Factcheck

This comes straight from Brené Brown’s 2010 book, The Gifts of Imperfection, which was published in the United States. It’s a cornerstone of her research on shame and vulnerability. You won’t find it in her TED Talks verbatim, but the concept is the entire foundation of her work.

Attribution Summary

ContextAttributes
AuthorBrene Brown (257)
Source TypeBook (4032)
Source/Book NameThe Gifts of Imperfection (46)
Origin Timeperiod21st Century (1892)
Original LanguageEnglish (3668)
AuthenticityVerified (4032)

Author Bio

Dr Brene Brown is the author of books such as Daring Greatly and The Power of Vulnerability. The TED talk and Netflix production based on her research reached out to millions of audience. She researches effects of courage and vulnerability in shaping people's work and relationships. She leads the Brené Brown Education and Research Group and provides evidence-based insights into practical tools to help people train themselves
Official Website |Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube |

Where is this quotation located?

QuotationCourage is telling our story
Book DetailsPublication Year/Date: 2010; ISBN/Unique Identifier: 9781592858491; Last edition. Number of pages.
Where is it?Approximate page from 2010 Hazelden edition

Authority Score86

Context

In the book, she’s laying out her “Guide to a Wholehearted Life,” and this quote sits right in the middle of that. She argues you can’t have true connection or belonging without the courage to be vulnerable first. It’s the non-negotiable first step.

Usage Examples

So, where do you actually use this? Think about a team leader admitting a project’s failure in a meeting, taking ownership instead of blaming others. Or a parent apologizing to their child for losing their temper—that’s telling your story. It’s for anyone who feels the weight of pretending: leaders, creators, parents, partners. Anyone who wants to trade a perfect facade for real, messy, beautiful connection.

To whom it appeals?

ContextAttributes
ThemeWisdom (1754)
Audiencesleaders (2619), students (3111), survivors (8), teams (69), writers (363)
Usage Context/Scenariohealing circles (9), keynotes (6), memoir classes (1), orientation talks (14), retro meetings (1)

Share This Quote Image & Motivate

Motivation Score82
Popularity Score82
Shareability Score84

FAQ

Question: Does “telling our story” mean I have to share everything with everyone?

Answer: Absolutely not. That’s a common misconception. The key is sharing with people who have earned the right to hear it—those who will respond with empathy, not judgment. It’s about trust, not oversharing.

Question: What if my story is boring or not traumatic enough?

Answer: Your story is yours, and that makes it worthy. Courage isn’t a competition. It’s about the risk you take in being authentic. The fear of “not being enough” is exactly the kind of shame this quote helps you overcome.

Question: How is this different from just complaining or being negative?

Answer: Great question. The difference is in the intent. Complaining often comes from a place of powerlessness. “Telling your story” from a place of courage is about owning your experience—the good, the bad, and the ugly—to find meaning and connection, not just to vent.

Similar Quotes

Courage is a choice to show up with Meaning Factcheck Usage>>

You know, when Brene Brown says “Courage is a choice to show up…” she’s really talking about that moment of truth we all face. It’s about being vulnerable and sharing…

Courage is contagious Every time we choose courage Meaning Factcheck Usage>>

Courage is contagious. Every time we choose it, we’re not just helping ourselves. We’re creating a ripple effect of bravery that lifts everyone up and makes the whole world a…

Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves Meaning Factcheck Usage>>

Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen. It’s a deceptively simple idea that flips our entire understanding of bravery on its head. Forget heroic acts; real courage…

Courage gives us a voice and compassion gives Meaning Factcheck Usage>>

Courage gives us a voice and compassion gives us an ear. It’s a profound truth about human connection. You can’t have one without the other if you want real dialogue.…

Courage grows when we keep promises to ourselves Meaning Factcheck Usage>>

Courage grows when we keep promises… it’s a simple but profound truth. This isn’t about grand gestures, but the quiet, daily integrity you build with yourself. It’s the foundation of…