Much like wedge boots, leggings, mascara, and protein bars, I was clearly late to the party on this Brené Brown video. It has been viewed more than nine million times since it was posted in 2011.

And while I only watched it for the first time last week (and multiple, multiple times since), its message resonates with me like nothing else of recent memory; specifically, at 12:43, when she describes vulnerability as the birthplace of joy, creativity, belonging, and love.

I inherently knew this, and have known this for quite some time. For years I have easily articulated the “how” of vulnerability but have continuously struggled with the “why.”

Upon watching this video, it now makes perfect sense. I agree with Brown whole-heartedly and encourage you to follow her lead: allow yourself to be seen. Truly, truly seen.

Some nine years ago a handful of essays I shared on my blog were published, thereby taking me from writer to author. Nerdy Thirty was a sweet little book made possible by Cindy Grady, Eric Downs, and countless others. Many of your purchased that little book and told me how much you enjoyed it.

Since then I have wrestled with what to write next. I carried doubt and even some guilt in the subsequent years, struggling with what stories to share.

It’s only now that I realize I needed to live more to be able to write more.

The past three years I have chipped away at a manuscript containing more personal essays, covering serious topics and others decidedly less so. I didn’t plan to have the book published once I turned forty … and yet, here we are.

Letters to Barley: Personal Stories My Dog Should Know will be published in the coming months. I am delighted to work alongside Michael Campbell on this project, with Zach Klebba to thank for the cover and Tracie Mauk for the illustrations.

A sign I spotted recently says this: The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.

It has been my experience that, in that very same breath, beautiful stories do not just happen. It bring me such joy to soon share those beautiful stories with you.