Happy New Year! Call me traditional and predictable but I think that, and “Merry Christmas,” may be my favorite holiday greetings. Both greetings declare new beginnings: one through the blank slate of a new calendar page, the other through the birth of a Savior.

That date 1.1 is so clean and beautiful. We also have a looker comin’ up, date-wise, 1.4.14, the date of my dear friend’s son’s dol and a possible delivery date for another dear friend’s firstborn. My date fetish is alive and kicking in 2014.

I first heard about Brene Brown after her TED talk on vulnerability went viral. (Sorry Ms. Brown, I don’t know how to get that accent over the final “e” in your name). I couldn’t believe millions of people were fascinated by such a touchy-feely topic that I was sure was interesting only to me and maybe seven other females, max. Her online bio states that she has spent the past decade studying vulnerability, courage, worthiness, and shame. I can’t believe she makes a living studying the stuff I’ve been fixated on for most of my life. I have a long list of books I need to read in 2014, and hers are at the top.

inspirational new iPhone case i treated myself to (60% off, of course)

Thank you to The Pioneer Woman for the 25 Best Brene Brown quotes for us to mull over this year, especially those of you in the Northeast like me, as Winterstorm Hercules graces us with 6 to 12 inches of snow overnight:

1. We need to change what we say and what we allow to be said in front of us.
2. There are infinite numbers of do overs for your teen girls.
3. The most powerful teaching moments are the ones where you screw up.
4. Do you light up when your kids are coming in the room or do you become the instant critic?
5. If we own the story then we can write the ending.
6. Every time you watch the Jersey Shore, a book commits suicide.
7. You need at least one friend who will help you move a body. No judgment. There in a second. No explanation.
8. Midlife: when the Universe grabs your shoulders and tells you “I’m not f-ing around, use the gifts you were given.”
9. We have to be women we want our daughters to be.
10. Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.
11. It’s no longer a question of can I do it. It’s a question of: Do I want to do it?
12. There’s nothing more daring than showing up, putting ourselves out there and letting ourselves be seen.
13. In our moments of most intense joy, we realize how vulnerable we are.
14. You either walk inside your story and own it or you stand outside your story & hustle for your worthiness.
15. What would you be glad that you did…. EVEN if you failed?
16. We are sick and tired of being sick and tired.. Definition of courage: Tell your story with all your heart.
17. We cannot give our children what we don’t have.
18. You are imperfect & you are wired for struggle; but you are worthy of love & belonging.
19. Vulnerability is our most accurate measurement of courage.
20. Talk about your failures without apologizing.
21. It’s not about “what can I accomplish?” but “what do I want to accomplish?” Paradigm shift.
22. Think about what’s pleasurable, not just what’s possible.
23. Those who have a strong sense of love and belonging have the courage to be imperfect.
24. You can’t dress rehearse the bad moments.
25. Want to be happy? Stop trying to be perfect.

This compilation of quotes were from Kristen Chase’s May 2012 post on The Pioneer Woman blog, so I’m sure there are more recent gems I’ve yet to discover.

God bless you and keep you in 2014!