Brave Heart: Lessons Learnt from Life

by Brett Kirk, Hayley S. Kirk

There have been times throughout my life that have challenged who I am and I have not always held my head high and said: this is me.

In September 2010 Brett Kirk walked off the MCG, having played his final game of AFL for his beloved Sydney Swans. Many know him as the courageous captain who helped his team win the holiest of grails on the AFL calendar. What many people don't know is how he came to be such a tireless captain, honest teammate, and admired role model in both life and sport.

His next challenge is to help YOU!

Brett, with the help of his wife, Hayley, opens himself up like never before, sharing personal stories to guide you through the challenges of working out who you truly are, what drives you, what you love and ultimately who you want to be.

256 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2012

Reviews

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me say at the outset that Brett Kirk was one of my favourite and one of the most courageous Sydney Swans players. It was a sad day when he retired. From all reports he had a rather unique outlook on live and a determination to never give up. Both these traits are evident in the is story that takes Brett from a young child at school through the self discipline and perseverance needed to pursue his chosen career and play AFL, despite setbacks, and ultimately win a oremierhsop with The Sydney Swans in 2005.
Brett’s honestly about himself and some of his mistakes is refreshing. This book is filled with inspirational quotes from people like Helen Keller, Aristotle, and Nelson Mandela, as well as other footballers not all of them Sydney Swans. It contains suggestions of how a person can get their best out themselves, the importance of self discipline as well as other life lessons and helpful hints.
Written with his wife Hayley, this is a book that includes a series of challenges and practical pointers that would encourage and help anyone to ‘work out who you are truly are, what drives you, what you love and ultimately what you want to be.’ I may not always agree with everything in Brett's outlook on life, nevertheless this is an inspiring read from a truly great footballer, who through hard work and discipline got the best out of himself.

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not exactly the intended audience as it seems to be written for the AFL fan at high school, but I was drawn to it on the basis of Brett's interview on Judith Lucy's Spiritual Journey, and I'm glad I read it. The guy is just gorgeous and so warm and sincere, which kept me reading despite to book getting a little self helpy for my usual taste. A warning for anyone queasy like me, the courage chapter has icky graphic and written images that I now can't get out of my head. On the other hand I particularly enjoyed reading how he dealt with the death of a friend, and the Mind, Body, Spirit chapters. And lovely daily affirmation...

As a human being
I am honest; I am passionate; I am courageous.
I am disciplined; I have a concentrated mind.
I am compassionate; I am non-judgemental.
I am aware; I am a good listener.
I am patient; I am tolerant.
I am fun; I am adventurous.
I am loving;
I am affectionate.
I am kind; I am responsible.
I am love.

Love it (maybe I do like self help????).

[Bernie Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much like the Sword of Gryffindor I believe books present themselves to readers when the timing is right. That was much the case for me with Brave Heart: Lessons Learnt From Life by Brett and Hayley S.Kirk. I wish this was part of the curriculum for junior and senior primary children to study Brett and Hayley’s simple message about being true to yourself, being okay with making mistakes and using affrimations, mediation and yoga to navigate the crazy range of emotions we humans experience. Thank you Hayley and Brett for sharing the beautiful way you travel through life.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

Fantastic book! Is Brett Kirk the 'perfect person' or what? Well, although there is no such thing as he shows by detailing some of his mistakes in his life so far, he would have to be very close to it - vegetarian, regularly meditates, does yoga and swims every morning, elite AFL player turned good assistant coach, self disciplined, no ego whatsoever, etc.

Written well, and also very helpful with some tips to help us improve. Hats off to Brett Kirk.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm considerably older than the target demographic that Brave Heart is written for (teenagers) but I still really enjoyed Brett & Hayley's book. Hearing about Brett's journey through life & sport, combined with his thoughts and personal philosophies made for an enjoyable and insightful read... and provoked me to think and reflect upon my own life and viewpoints.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book to read also inspirational. Talks not only about his football career but his life and lessons he has learnt through out it. He tells us how to use these skills and also at the same time relates it to AFL. I would strongly recommend reading this book.