In Brene Brown, Ph.D.’s new book Daring Greatly, one meme in particular is reiterated – “showing up” in your life, letting yourself be seen, being courageous with family, friends, co-workers and in life. In her view, the source of an individual’s pain and life dissatisfaction are rooted in an unwillingness to be open and to take emotional risks with the people in their lives. In her years as a shame resilience researcher, Dr. Brown has documented the paradox of shame: by playing it safe, by adopting a veneer of perfectionism, by armoring ourselves with layers of emotional defenses, we rob ourselves of the opportunity to experience joy, creativity, empathy, belonging and love. For Dr. Brown, being vulnerable is a “subversive” act, risky, and sometimes painful, yet it is the true path to authentic human connection and an engaged, meaningful life. Dr. Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. She is a nationally renowned speaker – her 2010 TEDxHouston talk is one of the Top 10 most watched, nearly six million views, and she was a featured national TED speaker in 2012. She is the author of The Gifts of Imperfection and I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn’t), both best sellers. Her presentations are noted for their wit, compassion, honesty and insight – there’s much to relate to in her appealing message, and her hopeful, optimistic, endorsing manner is a great spur to live “Wholeheartedly” as you go out into the world. This is a must-see program with a first-rate speaker on a hot topic. Sponsored by Family Action Network (FAN), The Alison Tobey Smart Memorial Fund at Kenilworth Union Church, the New Trier HS ECGC Parent Committee, Glencoe SD35, Family Service of Glencoe, Family Service of Winnetka-Northfield, and Family Service Center of Wilmette, Glenview, Northbrook and Kenilworth. FAN is grateful for its 2012-13 partnerships with Compass Health Center, North Shore Community Bank, Quintessential New Trier magazine, and The Book Stall at Chestnut Court. CPDUs available for education professionals; no pre-registration required. Book sale and signing at the event. All programs are free and open to the public. Visit www.fan-ntts.org for more information.