The Gift of Imperfection

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown

The inside flap describes Brene as “…a gifted mapmaker and a fellow traveler.  She is both a social scientist and a kitchen-table friend to whom you can always count on to tell the truth, make you laugh, and, on occasion, cry with you.”  Yep, that sounds about right.

If you are unfamiliar with Brene Brown – check her out!  She is a researcher of shame and vulnerability.  She has written several books, hosts a podcast, has been on Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday and did a great TED talk on the power of vulnerability.  She is down to earth, and in my humble opinion, utterly amazing!

In a nutshell, The Gifts of Imperfection discusses courage, compassion, connection, love and the many things that get in the way.  In the second half of the book, she reviews 10 guideposts to understanding the practices that allow for wholehearted living.

As I read this book, I took lots of notes and made lots of highlights.  The first thing I highlighted was on pg. xx. Yes, that’s right…I was highlighting before I even got to page 1!  This was her prayer for all of us and her daily commitment.  I may have to print in and frame it:

“May we find the courage to let go of who we think we’re supposed to be so that we can fully embrace our authentic selves – the imperfect, the creative, the vulnerable, the powerful, the broken, and the beautiful.

May we show ourselves and others the compassion that comes from knowing that we are all made of strength and struggle.
May we create a just and equitable world where privilege isn’t a prerequisite for self-expression and authenticity, where everyone feels invited and safe to express their power and their vulnerability.

And last, may we experience the strength of connection, the love of belonging, and the grace of pure joy.”

This is the perfect book to pick up as we begin a new year.  One that encourages us to be our best, which means embracing our vulnerability with love and compassion.  XO  Happy 2022!