The Gifts of Imperfection ─ Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are

Each day we face a barrage of images and ideas--from society and the media--telling us who we should be. We are led to believe that if we look perfect, live perfect, and do everything perfectly, we'd no longer struggle with feelings of inadequacy. Ironically, it's the pursuit of perfection that fuels the message 'never good enough.'

In The Gifts of Imperfection, BrenAc Brown, Ph.D., L.M.S.W., the leading expert on shame, reveals that it is actually our imperfections and vulnerabilities that connect us to one another as human beings and make us who we are. We are naturally drawn to those we view as authentic, real, and down-to-earth. It makes sense, then, that we should stop reaching for something 'better' and, instead, strive to be who we are, fully owning every aspect of ourselves.

This fresh 52-week guide can be read as a year-long program of WholeHearted living or by topic - whatever is the most meaningful for each reader. Brown engages our hearts, minds, and spirits in finding the beauty of authenticity and evolving our self-perceptions through fifteen guideposts that emerged from her latest groundbreaking research.

 Each guidepost is illustrated with essays, stories, inspiring quotes, meditations, and dynamic creative exercises designed to help us develop the skills to accept our vulnerabilities with compassion and practice loving-kindness toward ourselves and others.

 

Dr. Brene Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. She has spent the past twelve years studying vulnerability, courage, worthiness, and shame. Her groundbreaking research has been featured on PBS, NPR, CNN, in The Washington Post, and The New York Times.Brene's 2010 TEDxHouston talk, The Power of Vulnerability, is one of the top ten most viewed TED talks on TED.com, with approximately 6 million viewers. Additionally, Brene gave the closing talk at the 2012 TED conference where she talked about shame, courage, and innovation.Brown lives in Houston, Texas.