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

Telling the Truth about Perfectionism, Inadequacy, and Power

By: Brené Brown

Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang

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.

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)

Great book!

This book helped me so much to remember to Practice mindfulness. I also learned the difference between shaming and feeling guilty.

Very good topic, lots of interesting insights

I am glad I read it but I struggled to finish a bit. Some parts seemed a bit repetitive and too stretched. I suspect that narration attributes to it too (a bit monotonous).

AMAZING Treatise on Shame !!!!!

Brene's work has revolutionized my life!! 35-40 years in personal growth (along with a degree in Psychology), and so much now makes sense!! This was a major, missing, foundational piece. Thanks, Brene'!!!

The perfect book for the IMPERFECT person

What made the experience of listening to I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn’t) the most enjoyable?

My first Brene Brown book was "The courage to be vulnerable"... It changed my life. I was mesmerized, I have read all of her books now. This book, "I thought it was just me, but it isn't", is also a winner. My husband now reads/listens to them too. I love the stories and her honesty and openness. Unfortunately, it is not narrated by Brene Brown, that was disappointing.

Often feeling shame? Then you must have a listen

This book is great for women who may feel shame. I like the way the author talks about some subjects which women may keep to themselves because of shame.

It was good that men were mentioned at the end as I am not a fan of separating men and women issues

great narrator!!

Facebook was incredibly planet and impact will for me. The narrator really made it the message even more digestible and rich in meaning

Wish Brene had narrated this audiobook!

Great material. Book was a little long. I did NOT like the narrator! Brene! PLEASE narrate your books!!!

Amazing

This book has changed my life! I recommend it to everyone! It has helped me love myself and have greater self esteem.

Great analysis of Shame

I turned it off and left it a couple of times and mulled over it thinking it was a good candidate for exchange.
I finally realized that while it's author was addressing women and shame versus other emotions, it dawned on me that the book could open doors on relationships of all types.
great study and read it twice; very interesting and gave me insights to me, my friends and strangers on the street.

Great listen!

it was great and helpful to listen to this. I will be listening to it again.