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 is about daily vulnerability.
Share Image Quote:At its core, this quote argues that courage isn’t about being fearless; it’s about choosing to be present and authentic, even when it’s terrifying.
Let me break this down for you. For years, I used to think courage was this big, loud thing. You know, like charging into a burning building. But what Brené is getting at is so much more subtle and, frankly, more difficult. “Showing up” is the first battle. It’s getting out of bed on a hard day. It’s walking into a room where you don’t know anyone. It’s the decision to engage.
But the real kicker is the second part: “letting ourselves be seen.” That’s the vulnerability piece. That’s speaking up in a meeting with an idea you’re not sure is brilliant. It’s having the tough conversation with your partner. It’s admitting you don’t have it all together. This is where the true guts are. It’s armor-off, heart-forward work. And it’s a muscle you have to build every single day.
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Personal Development (697) |
| Topics | courage (145), presence (80), vulnerability (47) |
| Literary Style | direct (414), inspirational (54) |
| Emotion / Mood | bold (60), empowering (174) |
| Overall Quote Score | 89 (88) |
This is pure, 100% authentic Brené Brown. It comes straight from her 2013 audiobook, The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting. You’ll sometimes see it misattributed to her more famous TED talks or books like Daring Greatly, but the core concept of vulnerability-as-courage is the bedrock of all her work. The parenting context is key, because she’s arguing we have to model this behavior for our kids.
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Brene Brown (257) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting: Raising Children with Courage, Compassion, and Connection (35) |
| Origin Timeperiod | 21st Century (1892) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
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 |
| Quotation | Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 2013; ISBN/Unique Identifier: 978-1611801053; Last edition: 1st Edition (Sounds True, 2013). Number of pages: 160. |
| Where is it? | Approximate page from 2013 edition, Chapter: The Gift of Courage |
In the book, she’s talking directly to parents. Her point is that we can’t raise brave, compassionate children if we’re constantly hiding our own struggles and imperfections. The most powerful lesson we can teach isn’t through a lecture; it’s by demonstrating what it looks like to show up, be vulnerable, and still be worthy of love and belonging. It reframes parenting from a performance to a practice.
So how does this play out in real life? It’s everywhere.
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Theme | Wisdom (1754) |
| Audiences | artists (108), educators (295), leaders (2619), parents (430), students (3111) |
| Usage Context/Scenario | creative writing classes (5), leadership programs (172), motivational speeches (345), workshops on vulnerability (1) |
Question: Isn’t this just about being an extrovert?
Answer: Not at all. This is a huge misconception. Showing up and being seen looks different for everyone. For an introvert, it might be choosing to share one deeply held opinion in a small group. It’s about authenticity, not volume.
Question: How is this different from oversharing?
Answer: Great question. Oversharing is often a way to discharge anxiety or seek validation—it’s not rooted in genuine connection. Letting yourself be seen is a conscious choice to be authentic with people who have earned the right to hear your story. It’s about trust and boundaries.
Question: What if I show up and get rejected?
Answer: It will happen. And it will hurt. But the goal isn’t to avoid pain; it’s to live a wholehearted life. The courage is in knowing your worth is not defined by that single outcome. You showed up. You were seen. That itself is the victory.
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