The Gifts of Imperfection

Each day we face a barrage of images and messages from society and the media telling us who, what, and how we should be. We are led to believe that if we could only look perfect and lead perfect lives, we'd no longer feel inadequate. So most of us perform, please, and perfect, all the while thinking, "What if I can't keep all of these balls in the air? Why isn't everyone else working harder and living up to my expectations? What will people think if I fail or give up? When can I stop proving myself?" In The Gifts of Imperfection , Brene Brown, Ph.D., a leading expert on shame, authenticity and belonging, shares what she's learned from a decade of research on the power of "Wholehearted Living" - a way of engaging with the world from a place of worthiness. In her ten guideposts, Brown engages our minds, hearts, and spirits as she explores how we can cultivate the courage, compassion, and connection to wake up in the morning and think, "No matter what gets done and how much is left undone, I am enough. And to go to bed at night thinking, "Yes, I am sometimes afraid, but I am also brave".And, "Yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable, but that doesn't change the truth that I am worthy of love and belonging".

Brene Brown , Ph.D., L.M.S.W., is a writer, researcher, and educator. She is a member of the research faculty at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work where she has spent the past ten years studying connection - specifically authenticity, belonging, and shame, and the effect these powerful emotions have on the way we live, love, parent, work, and build relationships.

This important book is about the lifelong journey from 'What will people think?' to 'I am enough.' Brown's unique ability to blend original research with honest storytelling makes reading The Gifts of Imperfection like having a long, uplifting conversation with a very wise friend who offers compassion, wisdom, and great advice. - Harriet Lerner, New York Times best-selling author of The Dance of Anger and The Dance of Connection "Brene Brown courageously tackles the dark emotions that get in the way of leading a fuller life; read this book and let some of that courage rub off on you." - Daniel H. Pink, New York Times best-selling author of A Whole New Mind "Courage, compassion, and connection: Through Brene's research, observations, and guidance, these three little words can open the door to amazing change in your life." - Ali Edwards, author of Life Artist