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The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown is definitely an antidote to therapy. In therapy we look inside to see where we went wrong…but in the book, Brene reminds us to look outside ourselves and see the big picture. It’s comforting when you’re going through difficult life changes, to know that it’s better to look at the big picture than focusing on your flaws.
The book discusses abstract concepts that we’ve all heard of before; embracing joy, embracing pain and vulnerability, compassion, creativity and letting go of perfection with the goal to becoming more authentic. Living a “Wholehearted life” according to Brene, means moving toward our authentic selves.
“Wholehearted Life”-Wholehearted living is about engaging in life from a place of worthiness….It’s going to bed at night and 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” – Brene Brown
However, expect some kick back from people in your life as you make necessary changes to reach your inner goals. HINT; saying ‘no’, setting boundaries are all a part of this process (stuff we’ve talked about here).
The book outlines the qualities required to live the Wholehearted life as ‘guideposts’ with definitions and personal examples for the reader to better grasp the concept. At the end of each chapter she asks us to ‘Dig Deep’ and find our own ways to reach each guidepost.
Brene is a very engaging speaker. If you’ve seen her Ted Talks you’ll agree. My only criticism of the book is she does discuss at length her own speaking engagements to give examples of scenarios she faced and how she handled them. I found my mind wandering off somewhere during these paragraphs.
Overall, this book is a great reminder of all the things we need to do to live authentically and with our hearts open. Some of the requirements might surprise you. The best part of all though, is we realize as we read along that we’re okay. It’s okay to not be perfect and in fact, our flaws make us ‘normal’. Divorce is a great time to read this book as I’m sure it will give you the confidence you’ll need to grow and accept the imperfections that come with divorce. Buy the book here or try for my give away…
Leave a comment below to enter for a FREE book. I will draw a name from the comments below and contact the winner by December 17th.
Thank you, to my followers and all the readers that visit me regularly!
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Sandra Sallin
December 16, 2013 at 11:02 amWhy thank you for introducing e to a new author. Obviously I’ve been out of the loop. Always love a new book and a new author.
lisa
December 16, 2013 at 12:34 pmYes, I hope you like her! Thanks, Sandra.
Devan
December 15, 2013 at 8:33 pmThis is on my mothers Christmas wish list! I hadn’t heard of it, but everything I hear about it while trying to track it down makes me want a copy too!
lisa
December 16, 2013 at 9:22 amHi Devan, I’ll be drawing a name tomorrow! It’s definitely a book you can keep and refer to again and again. The author also recommends other books so it’s a great reference.
Jodi Lobozzo Aman
December 14, 2013 at 3:20 amHI Lisa,
Not all therapy is the same. 😉 I help people see the big picture. Looking inside to see what went wrong is an older-particular method of talk therapy. But I do love Brene and would love her book! So glad you liked it!
Love,
Jodi
lisa
December 14, 2013 at 9:27 amPoint well taken, Jodi! 🙂
Beverly Diehl
December 11, 2013 at 2:27 pmI actually have this book on audiobook, and it’s great, EXCEPT – it’s not Brene reading it :-(, and I love her on TEDtalks and other video clips.
Imperfection is a GREAT hurdle for so many of us to accept. Being a perfectionist is actually as mentally sick as being bulimic or having an anxiety disorder – it is nothing to brag about.
lisa
December 11, 2013 at 3:53 pmYou’re absolutely right, Beverly! Perfectionists are often in pain. They expect too much of themselves and others. Maybe we all have a little bit of that in us. Being aware of it makes a big difference. Thanks for your input 🙂
Tara Eisenhard
December 11, 2013 at 11:39 amI love Brene! Haven’t read this book yet…
lisa
December 11, 2013 at 1:00 pmThanks for stopping by Tara 🙂
Anastacia
December 11, 2013 at 7:14 amI loved “Daring Greatly” and would love to read this too. Though a crazy divorce has helped me embrace my imperfections, it is always good to have some healthy reminders.
Also, look for a cartoon short that was done to her talk about empathy. Love Brene!
lisa
December 11, 2013 at 7:31 amThanks, Anastacia. Yes, reminders of this sort are always welcome! I will look for that cartoon.
My Inner Chick
December 10, 2013 at 4:37 pmBrene was on Oprah and I fell in love w/ her!
I MUST read ALL of her books and I’d LOVE to hear her speak.
I’ve watched all of her TEDtalks.
She’s the real deal.
Xxx KISS
lisa
December 10, 2013 at 6:40 pmYes, totally agree, Kim! This was the first one of hers that I’ve read. Very enlightening.
Mike
December 10, 2013 at 3:45 pmOne of several things I learned through counseling was to except the joy of imperfection. To sit in the moment whether good or bad. To lower expectations in general. To not neccessarily view right or wrong from a black or white perspective. There is soooo much gray in life! This sounds like a fantastic book, Lisa! 🙂
lisa
December 10, 2013 at 6:41 pmThat’s awesome, Mike! Still working on it, over here 🙂 Her books definitely help the process.
Michelle
December 10, 2013 at 11:51 amI’ve just purchased her book ‘Daring Greatly’ and got into Chapter 4 before the book had to be put away (in the process of selling the marital home, so can’t make it look like someone actually lives, eats, and uses the bathroom in the home right now right?!) hahaha
In any event, Brene Brown is a great author for sure. Thank you for the reminder to go look for the box that book has been stuffed in…and make sure it goes with me to my new home!
lisa
December 10, 2013 at 12:22 pmThat sounds like a good read, Michelle. Let us know what you thought of it when you finish it 🙂 Good luck with your move! That’s a big step in the process!