Reblogged from Existential Ergonomics:

During my undergrad junior year, I took a class on Positive Psychology. Nearly a decade ago, I sat around an elongated table with other students discussing our reading assignments from Flow, Authentic Happiness, and The How of Happiness. Though I was shy and insecure, I was excited enough about the topic to raise my hand and share my thoughts.

Halfway through the course, the elderly professor shocked up all when he shared that he had been convicted of murder in his youth. Suddenly and inexplicably, everyone began opening up and sharing glimpses into their own lives. That class taught me that we are all cracked and damaged in some way, but also that we each have the power to glue ourselves back together and continue moving forward.

If we can share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can’t survive. ― Brené Brown

After graduation, I had planned to take a year off and then apply to PhD program in Positive Psychology. As fate would have, the field absolutely blew up during that in-between year and the people who had previously laughed at my ambitions began researching the same programs. Needless to say, the competition grew exponentially almost overnight.

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