One of the first posts on this site was Johann Hari's TED talk ​Everything You Know About Addiction is Wrong. He is back again, this time speaking about the epidemic of anxiety and depression and revealing some profound insights and research.
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What if it is less about biology than we thought? What if the old belief around "chemical imbalances" is incomplete or altogether wrong? Read Hari's interview below to learn more about the causes of depression and anxiety and the solutions that actually last. 

https://heleo.com/conversation-move-over-prozac-some-of-the-most-effective-antidepressants-arent-drugs-at-all/17923/

We are well into 2018 and it has been over a year since my last post! I took this picture about a month ago with the intention of sharing it with all of you. Better late than never, right? 

If you know me, you know how much I love books--and I mean real, paper-and-ink, books. 2018 started off with the stack above, and I have to say, none of these books disappoint. In fact, a few of them, like Creativity, Inc. skyrocketed to the top of my "Favorite Books of All Time" list.

Some people write recipes for success or recipes for chocolate chip cookies. I write booklists--like this! Here's a quick run-down of the books from this stack that I am loving so far:

Rediscovering Mercy by Anne Lamott. Anne writes about moving past hurt and rediscovering the ability to show love to those around us and, most importantly, to ourselves. Told in story format with a gem of wisdom on every page. 

Creativity, Inc. by Pixar creator, Ed Catmull. Ed writes about what it takes to create and lead a sustainable creative venture by way of a memoir. So many incredible stories about Pixar's development I never knew combined with life-changing messages about how I want to live and someday lead. 

Judgment Detox by Gabrielle Bernstein. Gabby writes that judgment is simply "separation from love". Any time we separate from love towards ourselves or others, we are living in judgment, which takes us out of alignment with our authentic self. 

Attached -- The New Science of Adult Attachment and How it Can Help You Find -- And Keep --Love. This book is FABULOUS wherever you are at in your relationship life. This is NOT a step-by-step guide about how to date or flirt. It is a book about learning more about yourself so that you can pick a life partner who will bring out the best in you. Or, if you are already in a relationship, so that you can learn how to bring out the best in each other. 

A Wind In The Door by Madeleine L'Engle. Did you know A Wrinkle In Time was a series??? Me either! Until I accidentally ordered the boxed set this Christmas. This is book two of five and it is even more interesting than the first. 

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. Need a feel-good read? This is it. This is Backman's most recognized book, but he is the author of several books that all center around the theme that even the most prickly of people have a tender, vulnerable, lovable self buried deep beneath that sharp exterior. My Grandmother Told Me to Tell You She's Sorry is another guaranteed to leave you feeling heart-full. 

Rising Strong by Brene Brown. Brene. Need I say more? Rising Strong is the book that radically changed my life and that drives my every day decisions, thoughts, and actions. This book has water stains, dog-eared pages, high-lighting, and more than a few tears marking its pages. There's only one guarantee when we agree to show up and be seen: we will fall sometimes. This book is how to get back up and live braver, fuller, lives. 

The Mindful Path to Self Compassion by Christopher Germer. I feel calmer just typing the title. This book teaches you how to be present and kind with yourself. 

Notice a theme here already? I'm all about showing up authentically with warmth and compassion. These authors are too. 

There's my reading list! What are you reading this year? What should I add to my stack? Tell me in the comments section below!

 What if everything you believe about addiction is wrong? The common belief is that if you use something enough--drugs, alcohol, sex, smartphones, etc.--then your body will become "hooked". But what if that's not totally true? What if it has more to do with bonding, attachment, and your neurobiology? Listen to Johann Hari's TED Talk for more.

Brene Brown, Phd is an author, researcher, and speaker. She has spent over 10 years studying topics like shame, vulnerability, and courage. See her TED talk below to learn more.