Good Book Review: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown - Part 1

For the last couple of weeks I have been reading Brene Brown's latest book, The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are

It is an excellent read and I thought I'd share with you a few (of the many) points that really stuck with me about it.  My first post will focus on Guidepost #1: Cultivating Authenticity, beginning on page 49.

Opening Quote:

"Often people attempt to live their lives backwards, they try to have more things or more money in order to do more of what they want so that they will be happier. The way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you really are then do what you need to do in order to have what you want."

- Margaret Young

Page 50: Definitions of Authenticity

"Authenticity demands Wholehearted living and loving - even when it's hard, even when we're wrestling with the shame and fear of not being good enough, and especially when the joy is so intense that we're afraid to let ourselves feel it."

Page 54: Get Going

"I try to make authenticity my number one goal when I go into a situation where I'm feeling vulnerable.  If authenticity is my goal and I keep it real, I never regret it.  I might get my feelings hurt, but I rarely feel shame.  When acceptance or approval becomes my goal, and it doesn't work out, that can trigger shame for me: "I'm not good enough.  If the goal is authenticity and they don't like me, I'm okay.  If the goal is being liked and they don't like me, I'm in trouble.  I get going by making authenticity the priority."

(I also highly recommend Brene Brown's other book,I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn't): Telling the Truth About Perfectionism, Inadequacy, and Power. It even has an excerpt on infertility titled "Infertility: A Guide For Family and Friends" on pages 165-170.)

If you've also read this book, I'd love to know what stuck out for you.

Comments

[Andrea]

Thanks for the recommendation -- you are the second person to note her books.

[Lisa]

I'm reading it too right now! We can chat later...

[Karen D]

I am currently reading it also so I will blog about it when done.. Really enjoy Brene

[Rebecca]

That's a great recommendation. Thanks!

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