Section 1.1: Exploring Emotions with Brené Brown

The first book I delved into was Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown. This book resonated deeply with me, functioning as a guide to understanding emotions. I had always thought I was self-aware, able to identify my feelings accurately, but this book expanded my emotional vocabulary.

Emotions can be complex; I often experience a tug-of-war between feeling something and the desire to avoid it. Brown’s quote struck a chord with me:

"When we stop numbing and start feeling and learning again, we have to reevaluate everything, especially how to choose loving ourselves over making other people comfortable." — Brené Brown, Atlas of the Heart

Avoidance can be tempting. While disassociating from feelings seems easier, it is confronting them that poses the real challenge. This highlights the importance of practicing mindfulness. Though it doesn’t make everything perfect, it helps mitigate the intensity of negative experiences.

Another emotion I struggle with is boredom. Brown articulates this well:

"When we have more control and autonomy over the boring tasks, it’s more likely that boredom will leave us feeling lethargic. If we have little autonomy and control over the boring tasks, we are more likely to feel frustration." — Brené Brown, Atlas of the Heart

This insight resonated with me immediately. When life feels aimless, everything appears dull, and I often feel drained. My frustration with mundane tasks led me to quit a part-time job I had taken just for the experience.

Brown also offers a thought-provoking perspective on boredom:

"Boredom is your imagination calling to you." — Brené Brown, Atlas of the Heart

When boredom strikes, I often find myself thinking about the endless possibilities out there. Once I shake off that feeling, my creativity flourishes—I might learn a new guitar piece, experiment with single-line drawing, or simply enjoy a good book with a candlelit ambiance.

Sometimes I wonder if I appreciate boredom because it provides an opportunity to rebuild my life anew.

Section 1.2: Lessons from My Grandmother

The second book I explored was My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman. Although I didn’t finish it until February, it sparked significant reflection.

While the book didn’t quite meet my lofty expectations, it forced me to consider the myriad ways we can live our lives. The main character’s grandmother lived her life in a particular way, expressing regret for the paths not taken. I found myself pondering whether this was genuine regret or merely an acknowledgment that alternatives exist.

This book reinforced the idea that our choices shape our lives. We all have pivotal moments where a different decision could have led us down a different path.

Take, for instance, a scene where the headmaster reprimands Elsa for being bullied—an absurd situation, indeed. Many would accept this without question, but not Grandma. She passionately defended Elsa, challenging the headmaster’s rationale:

"Why the hell should Elsa apologise?" — Fredrik Backman, My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She’s Sorry

While advocating for violence isn't the answer, Granny’s defiance exemplifies the power of choice.