I thought it was just me (but it isn't) - Making the Journey from "What Will People Think" to "I Am Enough" (Broché)

We spend too much precious time and energy managing perception and creating carefully edited versions of ourselves to show to the world. 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 we're 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 groundbreaking 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 one another 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 : "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 are the gifts that bring love, laughter, gratitude, empathy, and joy into our lives."