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

Brené Brown, Ph.D, L.M.S.W

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 ImperfectionLet 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

The Gifts of Imperfection

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.”

Inspired Artwork/Badge

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.

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Comments

6 Responses to “Accomplishments and Acquisitions vs. Joy and Meaning- Marcello Recommends: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown”
  1. Brené Brown says:

    Thanks so much for the review!

    It really means the world to me!

    Best,

    Brené

  2. Marcello says:

    My pleasure Brené.

    I’m really looking forward to your next book on imperfect parenting!

    Health and happiness,

    Marcello

  3. Jim Cerone says:

    Thanks for the recommendation, Marcello. Brené’s book is on my wish list.

    On a side note, I went to grade school with Elisabeth Kubler-Ross’s daughter, Barbara. Their family was very gracious and downplayed Mrs. Kubler-Ross’ fame.

  4. Marcello says:

    My pleasure Jim.

    “their beauty is revealed only if there is light from within” – E.K.R

    One would think that graciousness would indeed be found in a family whose mother spoke words like these.

    Best wishes my friend.

    M

  5. Jennifer says:

    I’m loving this book. She writes so honestly.

  6. Marcello says:

    Glad to hear Jennifer. I agree, her delivery is refreshingly authentic and at times, brutally honest. At a dinner party this evening, this was actually the topic of conversation…. we all preferred to speak with people who were genuine and who tell it like it is. Even if we disagree with their opinions, it’s nice to know that someone isn’t putting on a facade.

    Enjoy the rest of the book! Check back in when you are done and let me know your thoughts. Best wishes, Marcello

    Marcello

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