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Having heard Brene’ Brown speak, and reading her book, plus watching her TED video, I am so inspired by her wise words (and her sense of humor!) So much so, I want to share her latest book with one of my readers!
From the Amazon website-
In The Gifts of Imperfection, Brené Brown, a leading expert on shame, authenticity, and belonging, shares ten guideposts on the power of Wholehearted living—a way of engaging with the world from a place of worthiness.
Each day we face a barrage of images and messages from society and the media telling us who, what, and how we should be. We are led to believe that if we could only look perfect and lead perfect lives, we’d no longer feel inadequate. So most of us perform, please, and perfect, all the while thinking, What if I can’t keep all of these balls in the air? Why isn’t everyone else working harder and living up to my expectations? What will people think if I fail or give up? When can I stop proving myself?
In her ten guideposts, Brown engages our minds, hearts, and spirits as she explores how we can cultivate the courage, compassion, and connection to wake up in the morning and think, No matter what gets done and how much is left undone, I am enough, And to go to bed at night thinking, Yes, I am sometimes afraid, but I am also brave. And, yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable, but that doesn’t change the truth that I am worthy of love and belonging.
Here’s how to enter:
(This one is required!) Be a subscriber by email or RSS feed. Leave a comment saying you subscribe (even if you have been a subscriber for a while)
For extra entries-
*Leave a comment telling about your current struggles, no matter how small!
*Send a tweet about the giveway. Use this one if you’d like- I’d love to win @brenebrown’s awesome book The Gifts of Imperfection at http://bit.ly/h1Qk56 @womanonajourney Pls RT!
*Share a link to this page on Facebook- http://livingthebalancedlife.com/2011/the-gifts-of-imperfection-giveaway/
Be sure to leave a comment for each Tweet or FB share so you get credit!
This giveaway will end on Sunday, February 13 at midnight, EST.
If you are new here, we have been on a journey. We are mid-way through, but would love to have you join us! Click below to go to the Journey to Balance home page. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out!













I am a subscriber to your blog.
My struggle is (having a medical issue that has a huge amount of fatigue associated with it) I do not have the energy to cook for me and my grandson. I want to break the mindset of just getting a burrito or something quick just because I am to
tired.
I subscribe to your blog. Thank you for this opportunity!
Just subscribed with Google Reader!
Margaret Almon recently posted..Birthstone Inspiration for February- Amethyst Violet Mosaic Pendant
I subscribed earlier this month. Thank you for such an insightful blog!
tweeted!
Margaret Almon recently posted..Birthstone Inspiration for February- Amethyst Violet Mosaic Pendant
I am an email subscriber.
I struggle with breaking through to my authentic self. Sometimes my actions do not match my heart.
I subscribe to your blog
I have subscribed to your blog since January and have been incredibly blessed! Your writings help so much in the midst of teaching high schoolers and living with an alcoholic husband.
I subscribe via email & google reader!!
I love your blog! Thanks for reminding us none of are really so different after all. Godspeed! <3
Just posted your link on Facebook (Kim Roberts)
I just subscribed to your blog. (Been following for a while.)
Hilarie recently posted..Best laid plans
The other night, I was thinking about the fact that I don’t like to be hurt in relationships, so I tend to protect myself all the time. And that if we don’t open ourselves up to hurt, then we also can’t be open to real joy. The next day, you shared Brene’s video which dealt with the same topics – good timing! That’s really what I’m trying to work on right now in my life…
Hilarie recently posted..Best laid plans
I am a new e-mail subscriber and I am so glad to have found this site.I am trying to let go of being a perfectionist all my life.Trying to learn that I am fine just the way I am.Would love to win the book,it sounds great!
I also am a new subscriber, and I have a lot of stress going on, and I’m trying to deal with one thing at a time. I am moving to Australis to be with my children and grandbaby, and I must leave my beloved cat behind. My husband and I adopted her 11 years ago and she’s a part of my life like a child.
My husband passed away in Sept. and I broke my arm quite badly, requiring surgery in Nov. My kids are getting ready t bring me down under, but I feel so sad leaving my precious cat. I’m going to find her the very best home, and I know that with God’s help it will happen, but I will miss her and she will miss me. What a quandry.
I am a pretty new subscriber…and am happy that I am!
I struggle with…a disabled husband who is in the hospital for another surgery right now & who has developed addiction issues over time as he’s tried to deal with his injuries, pain & depression, balancing caring for two young children (5 & 2 1/2) & work part-time…while continuing to learning how to develop as a more peaceful & steady individual. Thank you for letting me say all that.
I subscribed to your blog just last week. I shared the link to the giveaway and a link to your last post on twitter. I am struggling to see myself as good enough.
jeri recently posted..Deciding factors
I just heard her speak for the first time at Blissdom and I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to win her book! Thanks for the opportunity! I subscribe to your RSS feed.
Denise recently posted..Sunday Sweepstakes! Enter to Win Great Prizes
I tweeted about the giveaway http://twitter.com/sdenise/status/34436010137878528
Denise recently posted..Sunday Sweepstakes! Enter to Win Great Prizes
Here’s my FB link–
http://www.facebook.com/#!/jamieonthegulf
Thanks for the wonderful giveaway!
I would love to win this book. I have been following your website for a little now and truly appreciate your guidance.
Thank you.
I have been a subscriber for about 2 weeks and have been working through the Journey ever since. I found your site from LifeYourWay. Thank you!
I’ve just subscribed to your website…love it! Would love to win the book.
I subscribed to your blog
Sherry recently posted..Got Superhero Kids
I like you on fB
Sherry recently posted..Top 10 reasons to not be a Football Widow
I tweeted I’d love to win @brenebrown’s awesome book The Gifts of Imperfection at http://bit.ly/h1Qk56 @womanonajourney Pls RT!
Sherry recently posted..Top 10 reasons to not be a Football Widow
I follow you in a reader!
Jenny recently posted..Meals Kids Love- Hannah Stevenson of Lily and Thistle
One of my current struggles… being okay with not being in control. Should be easy for a Christian, shouldn’t it?
Jenny recently posted..Meals Kids Love- Hannah Stevenson of Lily and Thistle
I tweeted!
Jenny recently posted..Meals Kids Love- Hannah Stevenson of Lily and Thistle
No need to enter me – I just came to read you.
And you know what too? To tell you that I looked forward to meeting you at Blissdom. And the person I met – and only briefly – was 10 shades of awesome – so much strength, wisdom, and a heart to help.
That is all.
I’m struggling with trying not to be the “perfect parent”…I’m a single mom with two boys and have sole custody. So, if anything goes wrong, it feels like it’s all my fault.
Kimberly recently posted..Quiznos…Yum!
I’m already subscribed. Current struggle is losing weight I put on the past 9 years – but I’m finally winning. All I had to do was stick to what I know to do (not quit). Duh!!!
LBDDiaries recently posted..Luv – I Cross My Heart
Going to see if this is available on ibooks…
Jo@simplybeingmum recently posted..Turning My Listening Ears On
I am a new subscriber.
Just found your blog……I think I am in love! Just what the doc ordered……bless you!
New subscriber.
My struggles for an extra entry, deal. Ok let’s see….I am struggling with my weight. I put on 100 lbs (after the births of daughters 3, 4 and 5) and never took it off. I am miserable, so hard to get around, but so depressed about it to get motivated to lose. I subsequently I don’t like this fat lady that has taken over my bod…..
Hi Bernice,
I’ve subscribed to your emails for a little while now.
I love having my kids but I really miss my fantastic career. I now work two days a week so that I can take the children to their various therapies and appointments as they both have an Austism Spectrum Disorder. Motherhood has not been what I expected yet I know that supporting them with special therapies is the most important thing I need to do right now, and perhaps for a number of years. It’s just that I’ve never adjusted to being a part-time worker and I grieve for my lost “status” at work.
I’ve never gone on facebook or twitter. I’m such a techno- dinosaur and that’s a whole other struggle in itself LOL.
Charlee
Too many struggles now…having lupus, trying to keep my business a float in michigan’s bad economy. However, my biggest struggle is watching and helping my youngest brother deal with progressive dementia.
I subscribed today!
I’m an RSS subscriber.
liz recently posted..Through the Screen Door
I tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/bellebeandog/statuses/35735209748082688
liz recently posted..Through the Screen Door
I just subscribed! Yay!
I tweeted too! http://twitter.com/#!/elainea/statuses/35738359435366400
Elaine recently posted..It Was Mine
Hi Bernice, what a fabulous book you’ve chosen! (I am subscribed in Feedburner.)
I struggle with my fears and dreams – trying to start my own business while working and having teeny pockets of time and doubt the size of Goliath. It’s a never ending series of teeny, tiny steps and a prayer that is creates a path to a fulfilling career. I struggle with disciplining my mind-set to keep away from hold of fear and doubt – and to continue on moving forward.
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bernicewood Reply:
February 11th, 2011 at 5:55 pm
Aileen,
I so feel you on the fears and dreams. The dreams seem so big and the time is so short. All the more reason we must be focused about our activities to make sure we make progress towards our goal. Good for you for knowing and being aware of your emotions and situation. Good luck on your journey!
Bernice
Would love to read this! I’m an RSS subscriber.
I had a dream that I won this book last night, no kidding, so I thought I better revisit and actually enter to win!
I feel a little silly telling you about my struggles, I think I talk a lot about them, but something I don’t share very often is the really difficult time I am having in my marriage and in my home life right now. Just saying it “out loud” is making me teary. I am also a bit frightened that I could be on the brink of an episode of major depression and my family just couldn’t take that, nor could I, right now. So I will keep fighting, surround myself (even if virtually) with beautiful souls like yourself and work at making healthier choices each and every day. <3
Amy K recently posted..Tell Them What You Think About Mental Health Stigma
bernicewood Reply:
February 12th, 2011 at 10:14 pm
Amy,
Well I’ll keep my fingers crossed when I push the button!
I am so sorry you are struggling right now. And I know it can be difficult to admit it. You are doing the right thing in trying to take care of yourself, and developing a support system for yourself!
{{{HUGS}}}
Bernice
Amy K Reply:
February 12th, 2011 at 11:51 pm
Thank you Bernice!
Hugs. <3
Amy K recently posted..Tell Them What You Think About Mental Health Stigma
I updated my facebook status! http://www.facebook.com/#!/abeeliever
Amy K recently posted..Tell Them What You Think About Mental Health Stigma
I also tweeted (@Abeeliever), but I can’t figure out how to get the url of my tweet, feeling rather inept about that!
Amy K recently posted..Tell Them What You Think About Mental Health Stigma
I am an email subscriber!

Stacey @ Tree, Root, and Twig recently posted..My Kids Review Orville Redenbacher’s New Pop Up Bowls
Tweeted! http://twitter.com/#!/StaceyNerdin/status/36616034429435904
Stacey @ Tree, Root, and Twig recently posted..My Kids Review Orville Redenbacher’s New Pop Up Bowls
Shared on Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/stacey.nerdin/posts/187051861334837
Stacey @ Tree, Root, and Twig recently posted..My Kids Review Orville Redenbacher’s New Pop Up Bowls
My current struggle? Letting go of control over some issues/people. That’s a hard one for me!
Stacey @ Tree, Root, and Twig recently posted..My Kids Review Orville Redenbacher’s New Pop Up Bowls
bernicewood Reply:
February 12th, 2011 at 10:11 pm
Control has always been as issue for me too. I like to have it my way. I have been having to work on this, especially since the meltdown!
Thanks for sharing Stacey!
Bernice
I subscribed to your blog!
Liz recently posted..What Im Loving Wednesday
My current struggle is that I lost my brother in November and currently both of my parents are undergoing treatment for cancer. I live two hours away from them and am feeling really guilty, which only makes this natural perfectionist seek more perfection. Sounds silly now but I made 6 eggs this morning before I had 2 that were suited for my husband’s early Valentine ’s Day breakfast in bed.
Liz recently posted..What Im Loving Wednesday
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by JennaFarelyn, Bernice Wood and goalsetting2011, Bernice Wood. Bernice Wood said: The Gifts of Imperfection- Giveaway http://goo.gl/fb/a6Cug #berenewed #definingpriorities #getconnected [...]