Brené Brown’s third book, “The Gifts of Imperfection: Let go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are“ was published 10 years ago. The book is chockablock full of insights guiding you to, what she has called and I have adopted as, Wholehearted Living.
So, in honor of 10 years of transforming lives, I am giving you my top 10 reasons why I love this book and why it should be on your nightstand, or to pick it back up again. Here it is...
Wholehearted Living
Who wouldn’t want that? I actually think this concept gets a little lost in the marketing, which focuses on embracing authenticity and building shame resilience, but it is actually a third subtitle of the book. “A guide to Wholehearted Living“. For me, this my first choice of a title because it speaks to an over arching feeling and goal of how I want my life to feel AND what I hope to help others cultivate for themselves.
It has TOOLS YALL!
When you've read guides by other authors, haven't you been left with the thought, "yeah but HOW do I actually do it?" Brené gives us 10+ tools that are readily practical and completely applicable...
The Tools are Practical & Applicable
For ANY season you may find yourself in, these tools are practical & applicable. Like, any season. It's my fourth time through the material with a group of people; this time all in quarantine during a global pandemic. Yep, still relevant.
It’s an Easy Read
I’m not a great reader and I have been able to complete this book multiple times. Short chapters. Concise writing.
You get to embrace YOU
I mean, it’s even in the title. All the insights, and thus the transformation, can be gleaned and gained without any permission or contribution from anyone else. How's that for freedom?
It's Based in Solid Research
That’s who Brené is. While much of this may feel like soft skills, understanding the actual science and psychology behind it, well… That just makes me feel smarter and wiser.
It’s Relatable
She relates to you. Don’t you love the feeling when you hear or read something and you think "gosh I needed to hear that" or “me too, I feel the same way!” Brené presents the information with humor and humanity - and it’s relatable. It's things we need to know and hear. Bonus? It doesn’t sound like it’s from your know-it-all friend. But, from your friend who knows an awful lot more than you and tells you because she loves you.
There are 10 Encompassing Guideposts to Create a Comprehensive & Insightful Experience
It would be too easy to just list the 10 ways to cultivate a wholehearted life. Each one can stand alone (and probably has whole books dedicated to the concepts somewhere). But, here are the 10, in one book. From authenticity and self-compassion, to cultivating resilience, my own intuition, and even play and rest!
Brené Reads to You
The audiobook has finally been updated with Brené reading it herself. Now, it REALLY feels like you're hearing from your friend.
There is a Community
There are workshops and groups, online and in-person, to share the journey and cultivate the life in community! Brené herself states, “This book is an invitation to join a wholehearted revolution. A small, quiet, grassroots movement that starts with each of us saying, 'My story matters because I matter.' Revolution might sound a little dramatic, but in this world, choosing authenticity and worthiness is an absolute act of resistance.”
Join the movement. Create your own revolution. Choose your authenticity and worthiness. And live that wholehearted life. It's yours for the cultivating.
Interested in learning about Wholehearted Living? Join my crash course here!
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