The Gifts of Imperfection Embrace Who You Are

[Page 2] THE GIFTS OF Imperfection [Page 3] THE GIFTS OF Imperfection Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brené Brown, Ph.D., L.M.S.W. [Page 4] Hazelden Center City, M innesota 55012 hazelden.org © 2010 by Brené Brown All rights reserved. Published 2010 Printed in the U nited States of America No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise—without the express written permission of the publisher. Failure to comply with these terms may expose you to legal action and damages for copyright infringement. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Brown, C. Brené The gifts of imperfection : let go of who you think you’re supposed to be and embrace who you are / by Brené Brown. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references. ISBN 978-1-59285-849-1 (softcover) ISBN 978-1-59285-989-4 (eBook ) 1. Self-acceptance. 2. Self-esteem. I. Title. BF575.S37B76 2010 158—dc22 2010016989 Editor’s note The names, details, and circumstances may have been changed to protect the privacy of those mentioned in this publication. This publication is not intended as a substitute for the advice of health care professionals. 13 12 11 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 Cover design by David Spohn Cover illustrations by Nicholas Wilton Interior design and typesetting by Kinne Design [Page 5] To Steve, Ellen, and Charlie. I love you with my whole h