It is amazing how we all have different talents, gifts, things that really thrill and excite us. When I walk into a hardware store, I am dumbfounded that there are people who actually know what to do with all that stuff. However, when I walk into a bookstore, I could set up camp and stay forever. Good thing many bookstores now have coffee and treats. The things that really make our heart pump, those activities and places we lose countless hours engaging in, are the activities that help us thrive, and live a more fulfilled life. When I surf, paddleboard, kayak, read, play with my kids, walk on the beach, chat with friends, I am a much more pleasant me. What do you like to do that helps you be a more fulfilled, pleasant you? Set a time you can do one of your favorite filling activities, and make sure you keep your date with yourself. You are very important; just ask those you love and adore you.

Those who live "Wholeheartedly" live with Courage, Compassion, Connection & Vulnerability, characteristics contrary to what our culture promotes. The courage referred to here, is the courage to let yourself be seen, instead of our culture's interpretation of stoicism and "bravery," void of emotion or "weakness." Brene Brown, PhD has researched, studied and written about people for over a decade, and shares her professional and personal epiphanies about what it means to live "Wholeheartedly." She illuminates the tendency in our culture to numb out the uncomfortable feelings, and at the same time, numb out the good feelings and experiences as well. We can live Wholeheartedly. We can live with Courage, Compassion, Connection & Vulnerability. We need to ask ourselves, "Why do I numb? How do I numb?" 
As much as you can today, let yourself be seen. Practice loving with your whole heart, even though there is no guarantee. Practice gratitude and joy, instead of catastrophizing. Believe "I am enough," because you are. "When we believe 'I am enough,' we stop screaming, and start listening." Believe you are worth Love & Belonging, because you are.  -Kristie

Kristie is a Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT) Intern in Irvine &
Costa Mesa, Orange County, Ca.

Brene Brown is a "researcher-storyteller," even though some people say they "don't exist." You can view Brene Brown's TED Talk here. You can view her books here.