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I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn’t)

Telling the Truth about Perfectionism, Inadequacy, and Power

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I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn’t)

By: Brené Brown
Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang
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The quest for perfection is exhausting and unrelenting. We spend too much precious time and energy managing perception and creating carefully edited versions of ourselves to show to the world. As hard as we try, we can't seem to turn off the tapes that fill our heads with messages like, Never good enough! and What will people think?

Why? What fuels this unattainable need to look like we always have it all together? At first glance, we might think its because we admire perfection, but that's not the case. We are actually the most attracted to people we consider to be authentic and down-to-earth. We love people who are real; we're drawn to those who both embrace their imperfections and radiate self-acceptance.

There is a constant barrage of social expectations that teach us that being imperfect is synonymous with being inadequate. Everywhere we turn, there are messages that tell us who, what, and how were supposed to be. So, we learn to hide our struggles and protect ourselves from shame, judgment, criticism, and blame by seeking safety in pretending and perfection.

Based on seven years of ground-breaking research and hundreds of interviews, I Thought It Was Just Me shines a long-overdue light on an important truth: Our imperfections are what connect us to each other and to our humanity. Our vulnerabilities are not weaknesses; they are powerful reminders to keep our hearts and minds open to the reality that we're all in this together.

As Dr. Brown writes, "We need our lives back. It's time to reclaim the gifts of imperfection - the courage to be real, the compassion we need to love ourselves and others, and the connection that gives true purpose and meaning to life. These are the gifts that bring love, laughter, gratitude, empathy and joy into our lives."

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2007 Brené Brown (P)2010 Audible, Inc.
Gender Studies Mental Health Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Sciences Inspiring Health Feel Better Compassion Leadership Resilience
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Critic reviews

"Brené Brown’s ability to explore shame and resilience with humor, vulnerability and honesty is both uplifting and liberating. If we want to change our lives, our relationships or even the world, we must start by understanding and overcoming the shame that keeps us silent. This important and hopeful book offers a bold new perspective on the power of telling our stories." (Professor Jody Williams, 1997 Nobel Peace Prize Recipient; Campaign Ambassador, International Campaign to Ban Landmines)
"Grounded in exceptional scholarship and filled with inspiring stories, this is one of those rare books that has the potential to turn lives around." (Harriet Lerner, Ph.D., author of The Dance of Anger)
" I Thought It Was Just Me can be a doorway to freedom and self-esteem for many, many readers. (Martha Beck, Ph.D., columnist, O, The Oprah Magazine, and author of Finding Your Own North Star)
All stars
Most relevant
Should be on every single person's reading list. In one week I've overcome a massive hurdle and have started moving forward. Utterly brilliant

Astounding

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I think it might just be me, but this is not as good as the other audiobooks narrated by Brene Brown as she has her own style and delivers the stories with great humour.

Nevertheless this is a good audiobook, that discusses Brene's research on shame and in so doing helps us to have a greater understanding of shame.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

If the book were read by the author.

What three words best describe Lauren Fortgang’s voice?

There was nothing wrong with the narration, but Brene Brown is more upbeat and really funny. The problem with the narration is that at times I could not work out if the narrator was referring to Brene or to someone in the research group.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This is not a book that I could listen to in one sitting and some of the work takes time to reflect on.

Any additional comments?

A good audiobook filled with lots of interesting stories, but this would be better still if delivered by the author herself.

I Think it is Just Me….

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brene brown is just fantastic! this is her third book I listen ot read.

it isn't just you

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This book not only discusses shame and it's impact on our lives but also gives us practical advise on how to become more resilient to it. No matter who you are you probably have had the immensly powerful and impactful experience of shame. Some of those experiences may have changed your life. Maybe you are dealing with shame right now, and don't even recognize it. The book discusses shame in women but I could easily identify many times as a (single) male. Whilst about how women feel and understanding people more.But most importantly I learned a lot about myself. It's really hard to state how much this book has helped me in my life. So yeah, do yourself a favor and give this book a try.

Do yourself a favor and get this one.

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Thought provoking + life changing. So glad I stuck with it even though I disliked the narrator.

Loved it

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