Episode 236

236 - Be Brave and Find True Belonging

236 - Be Brave and Find True Belonging

In this episode, I unpack Brene Brown’s compelling book Braving the Wilderness, using my personal experiences to explore the deep emotional terrain of authenticity, courage, and true belonging.

Top Topics:

The Real Meaning of Bravery: I reflect on my childhood concept of bravery—being physically courageous but emotionally cautious—and how that evolved through reading Brene Brown's work.

The Freedom of Not Fitting In: Inspired by Maya Angelou’s quote, I explore how the need to belong often holds us back from being our true selves and how letting go of that need can be liberating.

Practical Steps to Braving the Wilderness: I break down Brene’s four practices—seeing others up close, speaking truth civilly, connecting through shared humanity, and cultivating a strong but open heart.

Personal Reflections on Approval-Seeking: From choosing conference outfits to forming relationships, I share how striving for acceptance has shaped my actions—and what it means to let go of that.

Takeaways:

The wilderness Brene Brown speaks of isn’t about isolation—it’s the powerful space where we stop molding ourselves for acceptance and start living in truth. This episode encourages you to look at the places in your life where you’re trying to impress others and ask: what would it look like to just be you?

When we bravely step into discomfort and stand firm in our values, we stop needing to fit in—because we finally belong to ourselves. Being vulnerable and honest isn’t weakness; it’s the ultimate strength. Whether in a boardroom, a relationship, or a quiet moment alone, showing up as your true self is the real victory.

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/236-be-brave-and-find-true-belonging/


Jill’s Links

https://abetterlifeinsmallsteps.com


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https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsAI

https://www.youtube.com/@startwithsmallsteps

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

https://twitter.com/schmern

Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

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Start with Small Steps
Thoughtful personal growth through small, realistic steps you can use in everyday life.

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About your host

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Jill McKinley

I’m Jill from the Northwoods. Professionally, I work in Health IT, where I untangle complex systems and help people use technology more effectively. But at heart, I’m a curious lifelong learner—always exploring how things work, why people grow the way they do, and how even the smallest steps can spark real transformation. That curiosity fuels everything I do, from problem-solving at work to sharing insights through my creative projects.

My journey wasn’t always easy. Growing up, I faced a rough childhood, and books became my lifeline. They introduced me to voices of ancient wisdom, modern psychology, and the natural world around me. Those pages taught me resilience, gave me perspective, and helped me see that wisdom is everywhere—waiting to be noticed, gathered, and shared.