Daring Greatly by Brene Brown

Daring Greatly by Brené Brown is one of those rare books that has the power to truly transform the way you see yourself and the world around you. It’s a deeply moving exploration of vulnerability, courage, and what it means to live wholeheartedly in a world that often discourages us from doing so.

For me, one of the most powerful moments in the book came with Brown’s inclusion of Theodore Roosevelt’s quote, “It’s not the critic who counts…” This quote hit me so profoundly that I created a print of it, which now sits framed on my desk as a daily reminder. The words serve as both an affirmation and a challenge: to show up, to be brave, and to stop letting the fear of judgment from others—or my own inner critic—hold me back.

Before reading Daring Greatly, I often found myself keeping small, afraid to speak up for fear of feeling too exposed. I struggled with the idea of showing up as my authentic self, especially when it meant risking failure or rejection. Brown’s research on vulnerability struck a deep chord because she speaks not just to the importance of embracing our imperfections, but to the power of doing so. Vulnerability, as she explains, is not a weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.

This book spoke to me on so many levels, particularly as a woman navigating midlife. It gave me the language and framework to understand why I sometimes feel invisible or like I no longer count in certain spaces. Brown’s message is so validating, reminding us that our worth is not tied to external recognition or validation but to the courage to show up as we are. For women who feel they’ve become invisible—whether in their careers, relationships, or even within themselves—this book is like a lifeline. It’s a call to reclaim your voice, to dare greatly, and to trust that your vulnerability is not a liability but a strength.

Brown writes with a warmth and humour that makes even the heaviest topics feel accessible. I laughed out loud in parts, cried in others, and often found myself pausing just to let the weight of her words sink in. Daring Greatly isn’t just a book you read—it’s a book you feel.

If you’re someone who struggles with putting yourself out there, or if you’ve ever held back out of fear that you might not measure up, this book will resonate deeply. It’s a fantastic read for anyone, but especially for midlife women who may feel like their voice has been muted or who wonder if they still have a place in the arena.

Brown doesn’t just tell us it’s okay to be vulnerable—she shows us why it’s necessary. And that’s what makes Daring Greatly such a powerful and inspiring read.