The Best Stories Feature Characters with Whom We Can Empathize

We can empathize with them because we see their vulnerabilities.  They move us, we connect with them, because we get to really see them.

A quote:

Love and belonging are irreducible needs of all men, women, and children. We're hardwired for connection--it's what gives purpose and meaning to our lives. The absence of love, belonging, and connection always leads to suffering. . . .

Those who feel lovable, who love, and who experience belonging simply believe they are worthy of love and belonging. They don't have easier lives, they don't have fewer struggles with addiction or depression, and they haven't survived fewer traumas or bankruptcies or divorces, but in the midst of all of these struggles, they have developed practices that enable them to hold on to the belief that they are worthy of love, belonging, and even joy. . . .

The Wholehearted identify vulnerability as the catalyst for courage, compassion, and connection. In fact, the willingness to be vulnerable emerged as the single clearest value shared by all women and men whom I would describe as Wholehearted. They attributed everything--from their professional success to their marriages to their proudest parenting moments--to their ability to be vulnerable.

That's the essential message from Brene Brown's book Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead.  My very brief review: "Perhaps not the most captivating writing ever, but full of wisdom. Decent as literature; essential as message. It's okay to be human. We all are, after all. Accept it, go with it, be it."

This is a continuation of what she shared in one of her Ted Talks, which I first shared in Thoughts from a Researcher-Storyteller.  A great place to start.  The book is even better.

So don't be afraid to be like those characters from our favorite stories.  It's how you can become a favorite as well.