Brene Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston. She does qualitative research in vulnerability, shame, authenticity, and courage. Her insights are priceless and invaluable. In gathering and analyzing thousands of personal stories from others, she has learned that the key to having courage is worthiness, knowing that you are worthy right now just as you are.
Because we all have a need to love, be loved, and belong, we are often afraid to let others see our true selves. We do not have the courage to be vulnerable. Brene stresses that true courage is about being comfortable with vulnerability and this comes from knowing that we are worthy and enough right now at this moment.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/11/01/give.up.perfection/index.html
You can also watch a presentation by Brene on vulnerability. Sit down with this when you have twenty minutes to listen undisturbed. It is well worth it. Her humor and down-to-earth authentic presence will capture you in the first couple of minutes. http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability.html