Accomplishments and Acquisitions vs. Joy and Meaning- Marcello Recommends: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

If you find that a little relentless introspection can be just as good for your soul as a big bowl of chicken noodle soup from time to time, chances are you’ll dig this compilation of quantitative and qualitative research via courageous story-telling.

After a pretty deep chat with my good friend, Miles Gilbert, a few weeks ago- he sent me the book, “The Gifts of Imperfection:  Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who you Are – Your Guide To  A Wholehearted Life.”

The author, Brené Brown, doesn’t hold anything back when she shares her real-life experiences and scientific data regarding courage, compassion and connection.   Brown also touches on what  I think is the key to personal fulfillment… the ability to define what “enough” means to you and how to avoid the trap of “comparison.”   Derek Sivers, the founder of CD Baby, wrote a great book called, “Anything You Want,” that really drives home the “enough” concept.  Derek’s book is already in the Marcello Recommends book queue.  Look for it here this fall.

Brown writes with brutal honesty. And not just in the ‘I want the reader to think I’m humble’-kinda way either.  She’s an imperfect perfectionist who happens to be book smart, real-world wise, tenaciously curious and pretty damn funny too. -mp

Here are a few excerpts to whet your appetite…

“I heard stories about the power of embracing imperfection and vulnerability.   I learned the inextricable connection between joy and gratitude, and how things that I take for granted, like rest and play, are as vital to our health as nutrition and exercise.”

“We don’t want to be uncomfortable.  We want a quick and dirty “how-to” list for happiness.  I don’t fit that bill.  Never have.  Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to skip over the hard stuff, but it just doesn’t work.  We don’t change, we don’t grow, and we don’t move forward without the work.  If we really want to live a joyful, connected, and meaningful life, we must talk about things that get in the way.”

“Mindfully practicing authenticity during our most soul-searching struggles is how we invite grace, joy, and gratitude into our lives.”

“I believe a joyful life is made up of joyful moments gracefully strung together by trust, gratitude, inspiration and faith.”

“If we want to make meaning, we need to make art.  Cook, write, draw, doodle, paint, scrapbook, take pictures, collage, knit, rebuild an engine, sculpt, dance, decorate, act, sing- it doesn’t matter.  As long as we’re creating, we’re cultivating meaning.”

Featured Quotes:

“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their beauty is revealed only if there is light from within.” – Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

“Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.” – Marianne Williamson

“Comparison is the thief of happiness.” –Laura Williams

“The opposite of work is not play.  The opposite of work is depression.” – Dr. Stuart Brown.”

Connect with Brené on her blog, Twitter or Facebook.