THE GIFTS OF IMPERFECTION

by Brene Brown

MINI REVIEW

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve been exploring ways to make myself feel happier.  From investigating Yale professor Laurie Santos’ online happiness course, to keeping a gratitude journal, to taking the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course and joining a fitness club, I have looked into many approaches.  Of course, I’ve also been reading books on the subject and I want to share two of my favorites with you.  First is The Gifts of Imperfection, by Brene Brown.  Brown offers straightforward advice on how we can enhance our sense of worthiness and cultivate compassion – two essential factors in happiness. She then explores ten behaviors that get in the way of happiness and how to work to eliminate those behaviors.  For example, Brown explores how freeing and time-enhancing it can be if we don’t get absorbed in comparing ourselves to others. (Liz)