About the Book:

A breathtaking and life-changing look at vulnerability and self-worth.

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.

When our embarrassments and fears lie, we often listen to them anyway. They thwart our gratitude, acceptance, and compassion – our goodness. They insist, "I am not worthy." But we are worthy – of self-discovery, personal growth, and boundless love. For over a decade, Brené Brown has found a special place in our hearts as a gifted mapmaker and a fellow traveller. She is both a social scientist and a kitchen-table friend whom you can always count on to tell the truth, make you laugh, and, on occasion, cry with you. And what's now become a movement all started with the game-changing bestseller The Gifts of Imperfection, which has sold more than two million copies in thirty-five different languages across the globe.

A motivational and inspiring guide to wholehearted living, rather than just the average self-help book, with this groundbreaking work researcher Brené Brown bolsters the self-esteem and personal development process through her characteristic heartfelt, honest storytelling. With original research and plenty of encouragement, she explores the psychology of releasing our definitions of an "imperfect" life and embracing living authentically.

What transforms this book from words on a page to effective daily practices are her "ten guideposts" to wholehearted living – benchmarks for authenticity that can help anyone establish a practice for a life of honest beauty. The guideposts not only help us understand the practices that will allow us to change our lives and families, they also walk us through the unattainable and sabotaging expectations that get in the way. Brené Brown engages our minds, hearts, and spirits as she explores how we can cultivate 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," And to go to bed at night thinking, Yes, "I am sometimes afraid, but I am also brave. And, yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable, but that doesn't change the truth that I am worthy of love and belonging."

Now more than ever, we all need to cultivate feelings of self-worth, as well as acceptance and love for ourselves. In a world where insults, criticisms, and fears are spread too generously alongside messages of unrealistic beauty, attainment, and expectation, we look for ways to "dig deep" and find truth and gratitude in our lives. A new way forward means we can't hold on too tightly to our own self-defeating thoughts or the displaced pain in our world. Instead, we can embrace the imperfection.

What people say:

"This important book is about the lifelong journey from 'What will people think?' to 'I am enough.' Brown's unique ability to blend 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, New York Times best-selling author

"Brené 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 best-selling author

"Courage, compassion, and connection: Through Brene's research, observations, and guidance, these three little words can open the door to amazing change in your life." — Ali Edwards, author, designer, teacher

About the Author:

Brene Brown, Ph.D., L.M.S.W., is an American writer and research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. She has spent over two decades studying how courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy affects the way people live, love, parent, work, and build relationships. A dynamic public speaker, she frequently presents on the topic of shame resilience at conferences and public events.