Yo, today's QOD is show up and let yourself be seen.

Here we go.

Welcome back to the QOD today show.

I'm your host, Sean Croxton, a Sean Croxton.com.

We got Brane Brown back on this show today.

And today's episode is fire because she's talking about something that is so important.

She's talking about the difference between fitting in and belonging and how when you try to fit in and you're not accepted, it can lead to this thing called shame.

Brane Brown, she's coming up.

So let's talk about belonging.

I knew belonging was a big deal going into this research, but I had no idea what a big deal it was.

Here's the definition that came up.

Belonging is the innate human desire to be a part of something larger than us.

Because this year, and it is so primal, we often try to acquire it by fitting in and seeking approval, which you're not only hollow substitutes for belonging, but often barriers to it.

True belonging only happens when we present our authentic and perfect selves to the world.

Our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self acceptance.

So here's what was shocking to me.

Guess what emerged as the primary barrier to cultivating belonging in people.

Shame, self worth.

Vulnerability, judgment, fear, comparison.

Okay, all of these come together to create the number one barrier to belonging, fitting in.

Fitting in emerges the primary barrier to cultivating real belonging.

Because fitting in is about assessing the situation and acclimating.

...