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

9781592858491

Plot

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", Brené 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.