celebrating launch week!

The Daring Greatly launch is finally here and we're celebrating all week. 

Meet the new t-shirts!

$10 of the proceeds for each shirt will got to charity: water. Our goal is for the Wholehearted community to raise $15,000 to fund a tap for 230 people in Rwanda.Click here to track our progress at charity: water.

To learn more about price and sizes, visit our new "Shop" page here.

We also have all of the manifestos ready as free 8X10 downloads.

Here's the Wholehearted Parenting Manifesto. For all of you Ali Edwards fans - you'll notice her beautiful handwriting.

Over on the download page you can grab this in cream or the Daring Greatly colors (featured below).

Tomorrow is The Katie Show! I'm sandwiched between Heidi Klum and Jennifer Lopez - how fun is that? Television is way out of my comfort zone, but I had a great time. Katie was gracious and welcoming, the audience ROCKED, and the production team was amazing. Here I am with Donna Bass - the producer who was in charge of me (can you imagine that job?). Needless to say we became fast friends.

Thank y'all again for your support. This has been such an exciting time in my life and our community has been an amazing source of strength and inspiration. More soon! 

Comments

[Michele]

Congratulations on Daring Greatly! Really loooooved the book! Especially the chapter on Wholehearted Parenting. I was in the audience of the Katie show and I just have to say that it was so great - you were funny and gracious and authentic - just as you are in your books! A trifecta! I have been so moved by your work over the years and have incorporated it into my life in so many ways. I am now trying to incorporate it into my work as a marriage and family therapist working with teens and their families. Just want you to know that not only did the TED talk go viral but the work is going viral also.

[Danielle]

There are not enough words to express my gratitude. The manifesto is so beautiful and humbling. I am not yet a parent but will use these guidelines when I am, and will send it to everyone I know who is a mother. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[Mary]

I do not need another T-shirt, so I went to the charity:water site and made a donation there. Thank you for bringing this charity to my attention. I have been very conscious of the lack of water, as I twice a year volunteer in the the Navajo Reservation with Adopt a Native Elder Program. Many Navajo have to drive many miles to fill up their water tanks, for their own use and to provide fro their animals.

[Deb in Vancouver]

Brene - you rock! I'm so excited about the new book and love that your research and writing continues to inspire me. Congratulations on the book and see you in London!

[Suzyn]

The parenting manifesto is already on my fridge! And I sent the link to every parent I know. Book arrived yesterday and I can't wait to have some quiet time to dig in. Congratulations!

[mark]

Awesome cause. When I ran the NY Marathon in 2010 we were able to help build a well in Africa. Amazing feeling to provide clean, safe drinking water for an entire village (Only $5000!). The impact on lives, especially females is tremendous. Kudos kiddo!

[Sarah]

I love that you're doing this! My work and company is in Rwanda and you are helping fulfill a huge need for well deserving, beautiful people. I bought Daring Greatly yesterday at B&N and am on the last pages. I realized I'm a master at "serpentining" - have not seen the movie but laughed out loud when I read your description of it. Once finished will send to a friend who is unaware just how kick ass she'd be if only she'd find enough courage to step into the arena. Thanks for all you do, Brene, and for introducing me to "serpentining."

[Shelley Weaver]

Brene - you are using your gifts to do powerful, crucial work, and people are noticing. It has been a privilege to discover you and your body of work. The bravery you exhibit makes me want to be braver. I know I speak for the collective whole of those who have heard you when I say - thank you for speaking directly to my soul. I cannot wait to read Daring Greatly!!

[Violet]

Thank you for this. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of your new book. <3

[Gerri Smalley]

Brene, What an amazing opportunity...wow!

[Liz @ PeaceLoveGuac]

Brene, you are a treasure. I love this manifesto so much! Yesterday your book arrived and tomorrow I'll get to see you at BookPeople. What a great week!

[Maureen]

Brene, I love all the work you do and have done. If you have yet to watch last night's X Factor, this video epitomizes "daring greatly"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtvqlTyP5sY

I read the previous books & loved them...looking forward to this one.

joyfully, Maureen

[traceyclark]

seriously amazing. and the manifesto should be read outloud, not only to our children, but to our own inner-children. we ALL need this. every single one of us. thanks Brene!

[Teresa Duren]

Loved you on Katie today! Just wish the interview had gone longer -- so much more from your research to share! Started reading "Daring Greatly" yesterday. I want to be in the Arena!

[Christi]

Brene,

I was lucky enough to be in the audience last night at your book launch. I was the one who gasped and spoke about what happened after Dumbledore died. Yes, we are huge fans of Harry Potter and yours (and yes, White Snake too - loved the singing and dancing)! I've heard you several times and get so much out of your research and your stories. With an almost 5 year old, I can really relate.

I just got finished watching you on the Katie Couric show - it was awesome as usual and I loved that they had you and "The Blogess" with you. I am so glad your work is getting out to larger and larger audiences. Reading "The Gifts of Imperfection" and hearing you speak changed my life in extremely significant ways 18 months ago, and I hope others who are in need see similar changes. Now, I am now "Daring Greatly" and starting my own business. I can't wait to read the book. Thanks for doing what you do!

[Barbara]

Brene,
So amazing to see you on Katie today. Your joy and honesty came through the television screen. The work you are doing is lifechanging for so many of us. Bless you.

[Rhonda]

I saw you for the first time today on Katie. Sorry to say I had not heard of you before. I would like to get your book I will have to look for it. I live in Kemah so not far from you. What is funny is that this morning I was writing a little blurb, every now and then I write down my random thoughts. It was just too coincidental to me how it matched with what you said on Katie today. I thought I would post it here. I hope you don't mind.

If I close my eyes and listen to the birds and feel the slightly cool air brush past my face, I’m not 52, I am all that I have ever been. I am that 5 year old little girl going off to kindergarten on the bus with her big brother. I am that 10 year old feeling the onset of puberty as my childhood slips away. I am 13 and being excited about kissing a boy. I am 14 and feeling my first heart break. I am 17 and graduating High School feeling like I had the world at my feet. I am 18 still scared of life; I am 20 about to be married for the first time. I am 22 getting divorced and four months later getting married again to a man I just dated 3 months. I am 24 having my son. I am 27 having my daughter. I am trying to be a good mom & wife and feeling like I fall short way too often. I’m in my 30s and struggling, struggling to be what I think the world thinks I should be. I am in my 40s and less concerned about others opinions, but still struggling, this time struggling to figure out who I am and what I want, I am starting to get brave. I am taking chances and it feels good. I am in my 50’s now and feeling good about myself about my life about my family. I can see that everything has a time and that what I thought of as a struggle then was nothing more than life happening. Do I have it all figured out? No. But I’m not scared anymore.
Life is the ultimate excursion, each one is unique. BE BRAVE.

[marea]

I saw the show today, and was so moved...just ordered your book ...i hope i can join in some of the talk here soon ...marea :)

[Linn Bowles]

I must live under a rock! I've not hear of your bog or other books you've written. I listened to the Katie show today while working and listened to your exchange. I could feel your passion. Right then I called Barnes and Noble to see if they had Daring Greatly in stock as I had to have this book. I had to read it. I have the book in my hands and I can't wait to get started. I want to dare greatly. I'm thanking you in advance for this book as I know I will work hard to get the courage to be vulnerable.

[Denise]

Brene', thank you so much for all you are doing! My 23 year old son and I attended your book launch talk on Wednesday night together -- and we both loved it! I dove into your book and finished it today... As soon as I finished, I texted my son (who is also reading Daring Greatly) to let him know how much I want to be a Wholehearted person and parent - and that I will continue to mind the gap... I also have 21 year old son who would have loved to have come with us if he were not away at college. I sent him your TED talks, which he loved! I am so appreciative of your research for giving my sons and me a common language for what I know to be each of our heart's desire: to put courage and love at the forefront in all we do.

[Andrea]

When I got home from work yesterday my book had arrived in the mail and the Katie show was DVR'd...I was in Brené heaven! You continue to be such an inspiration...keep spreading your words!!!

[Heather Kane]

I got my copy of the book in the mail yesterday!! I love the cover design - looks great on a t-shirt too! I was only able to read the first few pages before going to bed but was gaffawing outloud and can really relate to being in therapy and being unwilling/unable to start making the changes I know I need to make. I already know that this book is going to change my life. Thanks for being so honest!

[Beth]

Brene,
You look simply fabulous in that photograph. Daring Greatly looks good on you! Didn't get to see the Katie show, but have already delved into the book and am loving every word of it! Thank you!

[elizabeth]

My book arrived yesterday and I'm about 50 pages in....it's fabulous!!!!!!! Great work Brene! Thank you for daring greatly.

[Jocelyn]

You were amazing!!! I'm buying your book NOW...keep up the great work. You are truly an inspiration.

[Victoria Travis]

Your interview with Katie was fabulous.....I was thrilled you were on for more than half the show. I saw a note from you about TV being out of your comfort zone....you just need a little more practice and I'm sure you'll have lots more offers to do more TV. You were very charismatic as you are in person (saw you in Boulder this summer). The talking timing on TV is just a bit different than giving group presentations.....I just received my pre-order of Daring Greatly and can't wait to start it.

[Priscilla]

Your interview was so inspiring. Thanks so much. Can't wait to get my copy of Daring Greatly.

[Denise]

Congradulaitons on a great interview with Katie! That was a great show.

[Kathy]

Watched you on Katie yesterday. Check. My book arrived today in the mail. Check. I carefully placed your signature on the first page and inserted the bookmark. Check. Thank you. That was incredibly generous of you. It looks great, really great. It is Friday, and I cannot wait to start reading. You will have my mind pondering much over the next few days. I love the online book read along idea. I am so glad you dare greatly!

[Shannon]

Brene, you were awesome on Katie yesterday! I was disappointed that I couldn't try to come to the taping (I had to work because too many of my co-workers were on vacation that week), but it was wonderful to watch the show yesterday. I am so, so grateful to you for sharing your work, your vulnerability, and your courage with me and with the rest of the world. I know it sounds melodramatic, but your work has truly been life-changing for me. I have read the first few pages of Daring Greatly, and I can't wait to get deeper into it as soon as I can. I have given copies of the book to several friends and continue to give my friends copies of your other books as well. Thank you, thank you for all that you do.

[Lauren Tober]

Love the manifesto Brene. Looking forward to reading the book. Just magic!

[Wendy]

Brene, you have given me the courage I've needed for a long time to step out and be vulnerable...or was I just waiting for permission? Guess it doesn't matter because I am! A couple of years ago I decided to lose 160 lb...half my body weight at the time. I knew it wouldn't be easy but was very motivated...but that motivation waned and I was afraid to hit that -100 mark. It's been like a stop sign. Although I haven't regained the 95 lb. I lost, I just couldn't see my way to getting on with losing the rest. I've failed over and over again and focused on the failures as if there was no learning from them. Watching you on The Katie Show has encouraged me to keep going and face my self-imposed demons. I've printed out the Daring Greatly quote from T. Roosevelt and it is on my desk where I can read it everyday. I just wanted to say "Thank you!" You've certainly made a positive difference in my life. Blessings to you and yours!

[Gillian]

Super excited to read this book! Your words and vulnerability have been a constant encouragement and motivator to me over the past year or two and have changed me in wonderful ways. I'm also loving the little details about this release, the long blue envelope that our pre order gifts came in and the texture of the book cover, it feels really cool :) Thank-you for touching us in deep places and for sharing small joys with us as well!

[elizabeth]

I just finished the book, wiped away my tears and want to thank you! The last chapter on parenting hit home for me as a mother of 3. I am grateful for all your stories and tips and mostly for your manifesto.....thank you!

[Megan]

I just sat down and read the book today - a late birthday present from one of my favourite marble jar friends. Thank you for writing it. Thank you for listening and learning and sharing. It makes a difference.

[Terry]

I have just started "Daring Greatly", and am up to chapter 2, "Debunking the Vulnerability Myth". I love the book already. There is so much truth here, as there was in "The Gifts of Imperfection". I am one of those people who love seeing vulnerability in others who dare greatly, but who has become isolated by my fears of being seen and accepted as I am. I have always thought "that was great, but I could never do that!" You have given me hope that even though I'm 58, I can still learn to trust, become ok with feeling vulnerable and "ordinary", and become more daring. Even, maybe, dare I say it? dare greatly! My only frustration is that I got the book from the library, so I can't highlight it or underline it. So, even though I have been trying not to buy yet one more book, I know this is one I will have to have in my own personal library, to re-read excerpts whenever I'm feeling vulnerable, to remind me of the rewards of daring greatly. Thank you so much for your extraordinary work.

[susan]

I am loving the new book and can't wait for the read-along!

I've been thinking of you ever since I watched Friday night's episode (Sept. 14) on ABC of "What Would You Do?" and would love for you to watch and create a blog post about it. (The episode can be viewed online from the show's website.) The scenario they were using was one in which a teen was being forced to stand on a very public sidewalk with a sandwich board declaring his "sin" as punishment for his/her misdoing. Interestingly, the public response was different depending on the gender of the teen. I found it almost painful to watch not only the scenario, but the responses in support of the parent for this type of discipline. I hope you get a chance to view it and comment!

[Terry]

Ok, I'm up to chapter 4 - The Vulnerability Armory. You wrote this book for me, didn't you? Foreboding Joy - check (I'm feeling really good right now, but how can I make it last forever?), Perfectionism - check (at least the feeling that I SHOULD be perfect, but falling far short), Numbing - check (food, solitaire on the computer, tv). Ok, that's as far as I've gotten in the chapter, but so far, I'm 100%.
I have been practicing gratitude more lately, and it has made a big difference. I'm doing my morning reading/praying and that helps. I've been attending a 12-step program where I hear my story told over and over by other people who are just as imperfect as me, and I feel so much less alone and isolated. I've signed up at 29gifts.org to do 29 gifts in 29 days.
My first gift today is to thank you for writing this book "for me", as well as "Overcoming Perfectionism". "Daring Greatly" will be added to my core of books to which I will refer when I forget the lessons learned and need to remind myself that "I am enough", I am not alone and there are things I can do to make positive changes, remembering that "progress not perfection" is my aim. Thank you Brene, for this important work.

[Jodi]

I am loving your book!! Would love to see you write a version for teens. I work at a high school and believe that your message needs to be heard by my students who feel that they are not enough.

[Queen Mary]

OK, so here's a funny. I read Ali's description of the book and decided it wasn't for me. Not that there was anything wrong with the book or the message, but I've literally been there, done that. I even talked my aunt into getting it while talking about how I wasn't going to get it! Then I saw you on TV and I thought maybe it would be a good idea to have the book on the shelf. And maybe as Christmas presents for lots of young women. I was a girl scout leader for many years and this title would be perfect for them - and so would the message!

[Lisa]

Dear Brene',

Congratulations on Daring Greatly!! I discovered you and your work on TED talks. I ordered the audio CD, the Gifts of Imperfection and I benefitted greatly by listening to it. I do hope that if you produce an Audio CD of Daring Greatly that you will consider using your own voice ( if you have the time to record such a project.). I adpated to the voice on the other CD and came to connect with the reader but I found that I was really missed your voice. I am a singer/songwriter and I suppose that I am sensitve to the subtle inflections of each persons unique sound adn interpretations/manner of speaking. There is soemthing very special about hearing a person read or sing their own work: poetry, general text or songs. You have a beautiful "voice" ... in every way ... it is better than chocolate! Soothing and warm ... comforting ... yet calorie free! So nice to hear it in your discussions here as we share the "read along." I am somewaht isolated right now ... long story ... but I have no car of my own at the moment as my partner is using our shared car and spending very long hours completing a last year of an intensive medical program. Money is tight as we make scarices to hav eher complte this last year. It can be kind of depressing for me to not be able to explore my own interests as much as I would like to ... I sometimes feel like I am in a "holding pattern" waiting for this year to pass so that thtings can open up for me again. This book is very helpful and I feel like I am a part of a special group of people through this reading group and accompanied audio discussions. I feel less alone and more inspired. Thanks for this and for all that you do!

[Sheri Bertolini]

I am having so much fun watching you get launched into the stratosphere. You've been plowing for a long time and it just tickles me pink to see the success and attention you're getting. Don't know what it feels like on your side of the buzz but I'm glad for you -- and I'm so grateful for the attention you're bringing to the hearts who've been captive for so long. Love your message, appreciate your authenticity, and have a real sense of wonder watching how your timely message is reaching so many. Thanks for being faithful to your heart. And for daring to put it all out there for the rest of us.