The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Suppose to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brene Brown

I wish my nose was smaller. I feel guilty every time I leave my kids in day care. I'm afraid to say what I really think. I hate these thunder thighs. I should be married by now. I sounded so dumb. Whether we fixate on our bodies, minds, personalities, or actions, every woman struggles with feelings of not being good enough. Each day we face a barrage of images and ideas--from society and the media--telling us who we should be. We are led to believe that if we could only change those flaws by looking perfect and leading a perfect life, then we'd no longer feel inadequate.

In The Gifts of Imperfection, Brene Brown, Ph.D., the leading expert on shame, reveals that it is actually our imperfections that connect us to one another as human beings and make us who we are. We are naturally drawn to those we view as authentic, real, and down-to-earth. It makes sense, then, that we should stop reaching for something "better" and, instead, strive to be who we are, fully owning every aspect of ourselves. Through essays, stories, inspiring quotes, meditations, and dynamic creative exercises designed for personal discovery and growth, Brown engages our minds, hearts, and spirits in finding the greatness in our flaws and evolving our self-perceptions. She helps us develop the skills to accept our humanness with compassion and practice empathy with ourselves and others.