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“This important book is about the lifelong journey from ‘What will people think?’ to ‘I am enough.’ Brown’s unique ability to blend her 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, Ph.D., New York Times bestselling author of The Dance of Anger and The Dance of Connection
“With THE GIFTS OF IMPERFECTION, 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 bestselling author of A Whole New Mind
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 people perform, please, and perfect, all the while living in a heightened state of anxiety, fearing nameless disaster.
In a new book, THE GIFTS OF IMPERFECTION: Let Go of Who You Think You Are Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are (Hazelden; October 1, 2010; $14.95). Brené Brown Ph.D., a leading expert on authenticity, shame, and courage shares what she’s learned from a decade of research on the power of Wholehearted Living. Brown writes, “Wholehearted living is about engaging in our lives from a place of worthiness. It means cultivating 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. It’s going to bed at night thinking, Yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable and sometimes afraid, but that doesn’t change the truth that I am also brave and worthy of love and belonging.”
Brown’s most unique contribution comes from her 10-year groundbreaking study on vulnerability and shame. In THE GIFTS OF IMPERFECTION, she not only gives us direction for living a more authentic life, but courageously talks about “the things that get in the way.” For example, in the chapter on cultivating rest and play, Brown addresses the challenges of letting go of exhaustion as a status symbol and productivity as self-worth. In her chapter on creativity she explains the paralyzing properties of comparison. Brown may be one of the only writers in this genre that offers us a path for change and an honest look at the obstacles.
As a nationally renowned researcher and speaker, Brown’s perspective is fresh, honest, and always delivered with warmth and humor. Using stories from her own personal struggle to “embrace vulnerability” she writes about the experiences we all have, but few of us are willing to discuss.
Visit Brené Brown at www.brenebrown.com
Share in the discussion at www.ordinarycourage.com
THE GIFTS OF IMPERFECTION
Let Go of Who You Think You Are
Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are
By Brené Brown, Ph. D.
Hazelden Publishing/800-328-0098; www.hazelden.org/bookstore
October 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-1-59285-849-1
Price: $14.95
160 pp
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