Standing in the Arena: A Tribute to Brené Brown

Welcome to The Aloha Chronicles, a series dedicated to celebrating strong role models who inspire positive change in our world. Today, I honor Brené Brown, a woman whose work has significantly influenced my understanding of courage, vulnerability, and connection—and helped me rewrite my own story. Brené is a true Wisdom Warrior Goddess, blending research, storytelling, and profound empathy to empower others to step into their own strength.

If you haven't heard of her, Brené Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston, holding the Huffington Foundation Endowed Chair at the Graduate College of Social Work. With over two decades of research into courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy, she is the author of six #1 New York Times bestsellers. Her insights have reshaped how we view courage and vulnerability, guiding countless individuals toward authenticity and growth. And she helped me rewrite my own narrative…

Growing up, I faced loss early. I was 7 years old when my father passed away from cancer. His death marked the beginning of my days of pretending—learning to bury my emotions and push through pain to survive. In the years that followed, I watched my mother take on the incredible responsibility of raising three children, working full-time, pursuing a master’s degree, and becoming an American citizen—all while battling cancer herself.

With so much keeping her busy, my mother often made it seem as though everything was fine, even when it wasn’t. She passed away when I was 12, but her resilience became my blueprint, teaching me how to persevere through life’s hardest times. Yet, alongside her strength, I learned to hide my struggles and mask my emotions. What once helped me survive became a barrier to genuine connection. It took years to unlearn that hiding wasn’t bravery—it was self-protection. Brené became the guiding light who helped me break free from this pattern.

In her TED Talk, The Power of Vulnerability, Brené states: “Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.” These words helped me see that embracing vulnerability is not a weakness—it is essential for authenticity and growth.

This realization transformed my life—and art. For years, I kept my work hidden, afraid of judgment or rejection, especially from institutions and people I once strived to impress. I doubted whether my art—a blend of visual storytelling and spirituality—would be understood or appreciated. But how could I hope to inspire others if I wasn’t willing to invest in myself?

Brené’s words, inspired by Theodore Roosevelt’s famous speech, gave me the courage to step into the arena:

“It is not the critic who counts… The credit belongs to the (wo)man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming.”

In Daring Greatly, Brené expands on this idea: “Vulnerability is not about winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up when you can’t control the outcome.” That message encouraged me to face my fears of imperfection and embrace the messy, beautiful process of creating and sharing my art.

I was inspired to create this Moon Goddess portrait as a tribute to Brené. It reflects her wisdom, strength, and undeniable status as a Wisdom Warrior Goddess. The water symbolizes her Scorpio sun sign and her deep emotional insight. The Texas star on her dress honors her roots and resilience, while the light of the full moon represents her ability to illuminate the darkest parts of our emotions and transform them into paths for healing. At her side, rather than over her heart, rests her shield—a symbol of her choice to lead with vulnerability and courage rather than self-protection. Brené’s open heart, full of compassion and authenticity, shows that true strength comes from embracing imperfection and standing in the arena, ready to face whatever comes with grace and resilience. She teaches us that bravery isn’t about hiding behind armor but showing up fully, with love and intention.

Her work also taught me to own my story. As she writes in Daring Greatly: “When we bury the story, we forever stay the subject of the story. If we own the story, we get to write the ending.” These words gave me the courage to rewrite my narrative, to face the losses and challenges of my past, and to share my light with the world.

Because of Brené, I no longer fear judgment or criticism. I’ve learned that strength doesn’t come from pretending everything is okay—it comes from showing up, embracing vulnerability, and trusting the process.

To Brené, thank you for being a guiding light in my life. You’ve taught me that bravery isn’t about perfection or fearlessness—it’s about showing up, no matter what, and leading with love and authenticity. You are, without a doubt, a true Wisdom Warrior Goddess.

If you haven’t yet explored Brené’s work, I encourage you to begin your own journey with her wisdom. Here are some of her most impactful books and talks to get started with:

        •        Daring Greatly

        •        The Power of Vulnerability

        •        Braving the Wilderness

        •        Rising Strong

        •        Atlas of the Heart