
I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn’t)
Telling the Truth about Perfectionism, Inadequacy, and Power
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wish list failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy Now for $31.26
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Lauren Fortgang
-
Written by:
-
Brené Brown
About this listen
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.You may also enjoy...
-
The Power of Vulnerability
- Teachings of Authenticity, Connection, and Courage
- Written by: Brené Brown
- Narrated by: Brené Brown
- Length: 6 hrs and 30 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On The Power of Vulnerability, Dr. Brown offers an invitation and a promise - that when we dare to drop the armor that protects us from feeling vulnerable, we open ourselves to the experiences that bring purpose and meaning to our lives. Here she dispels the cultural myth that vulnerability is weakness and reveals that it is, in truth, our most accurate measure of courage.
-
-
Just read it.
- By Raz Peel on 2018-02-24
Written by: Brené Brown
-
Daring Greatly
- How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead
- Written by: Brené Brown
- Narrated by: Brené Brown
- Length: 6 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Every day we experience the uncertainty, risks, and emotional exposure that define what it means to be vulnerable or to dare greatly. Based on 12 years of pioneering research, Dr. Brené Brown dispels the cultural myth that vulnerability is weakness and argues that it is, in truth, our most accurate measure of courage. Brown explains how vulnerability is both the core of difficult emotions like fear, grief, and disappointment, and the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, empathy, innovation, and creativity.
-
-
Loved it so much I got a tattoo =)
- By Anonymous User on 2018-09-20
Written by: Brené Brown
-
Braving the Wilderness
- The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone
- Written by: Brené Brown
- Narrated by: Brené Brown
- Length: 4 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
"True belonging doesn't require us to change who we are. It requires us to be who we are." Social scientist Brené Brown, PhD, LMSW, has sparked a global conversation about the experiences that bring meaning to our lives - experiences of courage, vulnerability, love, belonging, shame, and empathy. In Braving the Wilderness, Brown redefines what it means to truly belong in an age of increased polarization.
-
-
Made my trip!
- By Anita Fleice on 2017-09-21
Written by: Brené Brown
-
The Gifts of Imperfection, 10th Anniversary Edition
- Features a New Foreword
- Written by: Brené Brown
- Narrated by: Brené Brown
- Length: 4 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For more than a decade, Brené Brown has found a special place in our hearts as a gifted mapmaker and a fellow traveler. She is both a social scientist and a kitchen table friend whom you can always count on to tell the truth, make you laugh, and, on occasion, cry with you. And what's now become a movement all started with The Gifts of Imperfection, which has sold more than two million copies in 35 different languages across the globe.
-
-
Bringing me to tears...
- By Tracy on 2021-05-24
Written by: Brené Brown
-
Rising Strong
- How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead
- Written by: Brené Brown
- Narrated by: Brené Brown
- Length: 8 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Social scientist Brené Brown has ignited a global conversation on courage, vulnerability, shame, and worthiness. Her pioneering work uncovered a profound truth: Vulnerability—the willingness to show up and be seen with no guarantee of outcome—is the only path to more love, belonging, creativity, and joy. But living a brave life is not always easy: We are, inevitably, going to stumble and fall.
-
-
I love Brene
- By Shutski on 2018-01-29
Written by: Brené Brown
-
Men, Women and Worthiness
- The Experience of Shame and the Power of Being Enough
- Written by: Brené Brown PhD LMSW
- Narrated by: Brené Brown PhD LMSW
- Length: 2 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
What does it take to be secure in our sense of belonging and self-worth? We may hustle to attain this security through achievements, meeting expectations, or repeating affirmations to ourselves - but Dr. Brené Brown's research has shown there is ultimately one obstacle to our sense of worthiness. “Shame is the barrier,” she teaches, “and building shame resilience is how we overcome it.”
-
-
Loved it!
- By Kindle Customer on 2019-12-04
Written by: Brené Brown PhD LMSW
-
The Power of Vulnerability
- Teachings of Authenticity, Connection, and Courage
- Written by: Brené Brown
- Narrated by: Brené Brown
- Length: 6 hrs and 30 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On The Power of Vulnerability, Dr. Brown offers an invitation and a promise - that when we dare to drop the armor that protects us from feeling vulnerable, we open ourselves to the experiences that bring purpose and meaning to our lives. Here she dispels the cultural myth that vulnerability is weakness and reveals that it is, in truth, our most accurate measure of courage.
-
-
Just read it.
- By Raz Peel on 2018-02-24
Written by: Brené Brown
-
Daring Greatly
- How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead
- Written by: Brené Brown
- Narrated by: Brené Brown
- Length: 6 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Every day we experience the uncertainty, risks, and emotional exposure that define what it means to be vulnerable or to dare greatly. Based on 12 years of pioneering research, Dr. Brené Brown dispels the cultural myth that vulnerability is weakness and argues that it is, in truth, our most accurate measure of courage. Brown explains how vulnerability is both the core of difficult emotions like fear, grief, and disappointment, and the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, empathy, innovation, and creativity.
-
-
Loved it so much I got a tattoo =)
- By Anonymous User on 2018-09-20
Written by: Brené Brown
-
Braving the Wilderness
- The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone
- Written by: Brené Brown
- Narrated by: Brené Brown
- Length: 4 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
"True belonging doesn't require us to change who we are. It requires us to be who we are." Social scientist Brené Brown, PhD, LMSW, has sparked a global conversation about the experiences that bring meaning to our lives - experiences of courage, vulnerability, love, belonging, shame, and empathy. In Braving the Wilderness, Brown redefines what it means to truly belong in an age of increased polarization.
-
-
Made my trip!
- By Anita Fleice on 2017-09-21
Written by: Brené Brown
-
The Gifts of Imperfection, 10th Anniversary Edition
- Features a New Foreword
- Written by: Brené Brown
- Narrated by: Brené Brown
- Length: 4 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For more than a decade, Brené Brown has found a special place in our hearts as a gifted mapmaker and a fellow traveler. She is both a social scientist and a kitchen table friend whom you can always count on to tell the truth, make you laugh, and, on occasion, cry with you. And what's now become a movement all started with The Gifts of Imperfection, which has sold more than two million copies in 35 different languages across the globe.
-
-
Bringing me to tears...
- By Tracy on 2021-05-24
Written by: Brené Brown
-
Rising Strong
- How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead
- Written by: Brené Brown
- Narrated by: Brené Brown
- Length: 8 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Social scientist Brené Brown has ignited a global conversation on courage, vulnerability, shame, and worthiness. Her pioneering work uncovered a profound truth: Vulnerability—the willingness to show up and be seen with no guarantee of outcome—is the only path to more love, belonging, creativity, and joy. But living a brave life is not always easy: We are, inevitably, going to stumble and fall.
-
-
I love Brene
- By Shutski on 2018-01-29
Written by: Brené Brown
-
Men, Women and Worthiness
- The Experience of Shame and the Power of Being Enough
- Written by: Brené Brown PhD LMSW
- Narrated by: Brené Brown PhD LMSW
- Length: 2 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
What does it take to be secure in our sense of belonging and self-worth? We may hustle to attain this security through achievements, meeting expectations, or repeating affirmations to ourselves - but Dr. Brené Brown's research has shown there is ultimately one obstacle to our sense of worthiness. “Shame is the barrier,” she teaches, “and building shame resilience is how we overcome it.”
-
-
Loved it!
- By Kindle Customer on 2019-12-04
Written by: Brené Brown PhD LMSW
-
Rising Strong as a Spiritual Practice
- Written by: Brené Brown
- Narrated by: Brené Brown
- Length: 3 hrs and 20 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Dr. Brown defines spirituality as something not reliant on religion, theology, or dogma - rather, it is a belief in our interconnectedness and in a loving force greater than ourselves. Whether you access the sacred through traditional worship, solitary meditation, communion with nature, or creative pursuits, one thing is clear: Rising strong after falling is a spiritual practice that brings a sense of perspective, meaning, and purpose to our lives.
-
-
She DOES it AGAIN!
- By Heather on 2020-05-04
Written by: Brené Brown
-
Atlas of the Heart
- Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience
- Written by: Brené Brown
- Narrated by: Brené Brown
- Length: 8 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Atlas of the Heart, Brown takes us on a journey through 87 of the emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human. As she maps the necessary skills and an actionable framework for meaningful connection, she gives us the language and tools to access a universe of new choices and second chances - a universe where we can share and steward the stories of our bravest and most heartbreaking moments with one another in a way that builds connection.
-
-
Finding it Ironic
- By Amazon Customer on 2022-03-06
Written by: Brené Brown
-
The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting
- Raising Children with Courage, Compassion, and Connection
- Written by: Brené Brown PhD LMSW
- Narrated by: Brené Brown PhD LMSW
- Length: 2 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting, Dr. Brené Brown invites us on a journey to transform the lives of parents and children alike. Drawing on her 12 years of research on vulnerability, courage, worthiness, and shame, she presents ten guideposts to creating what she describes as "wholehearted" families where each of us can continually learn and grow as we reach our full potential.
-
-
A highly worthwhile read
- By Victoria Heaslip on 2018-02-03
Written by: Brené Brown PhD LMSW
-
Dare to Lead
- Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.
- Written by: Brené Brown
- Narrated by: Brené Brown
- Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Brené Brown has spent the past two decades studying the emotions and experiences that give meaning to our lives, and the past seven years working with transformative leaders and teams spanning the globe. She found that leaders in organizations ranging from small entrepreneurial startups and family-owned businesses to nonprofits, civic organizations, and Fortune 50 companies all ask the same question: How do you cultivate braver, more daring leaders, and how do you embed the value of courage in your culture? This audiobook answers this question.
-
-
Rumble with Platitudes
- By MMH Toronto on 2018-11-11
Written by: Brené Brown
-
Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?
- Written by: Julie Smith
- Narrated by: Julie Smith
- Length: 7 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Filled with secrets from a therapist's toolkit, Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before teaches you how to fortify and maintain your mental health, even in the most trying of times. Dr Julie Smith’s expert advice and powerful coping techniques will help you stay resilient, whether you want to manage anxiety, deal with criticism, cope with depression, build self-confidence, find motivation, or learn to forgive yourself.
-
-
practical
- By ednapple on 2022-04-19
Written by: Julie Smith
-
Distress Tolerance Made Easy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills for Dealing with Intense Emotions in Difficult Times
- Written by: Sheri Van Dijk MSW, Matthew McKay PhD, Jeffrey C. Wood PsyD, and others
- Narrated by: Susan Hanfield
- Length: 4 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
No matter how #blessed you are, sometimes life can feel downright overwhelming. Whether it's a breakup or divorce, the loss of a job, or even a global pandemic, you may need a little extra help managing the difficult emotions that can arise when things are not going so great. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a proven-effective and evidence-based treatment that can help you find balance and improve your ability to handle adversity without losing control and acting destructively.
-
-
Insightful
- By Kassandra Doucette on 2024-06-09
Written by: Sheri Van Dijk MSW, and others
-
Aware
- The Science and Practice of Presence - A Complete Guide to the Groundbreaking Wheel of Awareness Meditation Practice
- Written by: Daniel Siegel M.D.
- Narrated by: Daniel Siegel M.D.
- Length: 15 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Aware provides practical instruction for mastering the Wheel of Awareness, a life-changing tool for cultivating more focus, presence, and peace in one's life. An in-depth look at the science that underlies meditation's effectiveness, this audiobook teaches listeners how to harness the power of the principle "Where attention goes, neural firing flows, and neural connection grows". Siegel reveals how developing a Wheel of Awareness practice to focus attention, open awareness, and cultivate kind intention can help you grow a healthier brain and reduce fear and anxiety in your life.
-
-
wasted my time
- By margo on 2018-08-29
Written by: Daniel Siegel M.D.
-
Fierce Self-Compassion
- How Women Can Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power, and Thrive
- Written by: Kristin Neff
- Narrated by: Jean Ann Douglass
- Length: 12 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Kristin Neff changed how we talk about self-care with her enormously popular first book, Self-Compassion. Now, 10 years and many studies later, she expands her body of work to explore a brand-new take on self-compassion. Although kindness and self-acceptance allow us to be with ourselves as we are, in all our glorious imperfection, the desire to alleviate suffering at the heart of this mindset isn't always gentle, sometimes it's fierce.
-
-
Judgmental and biased
- By Katie Meilleur on 2023-01-25
Written by: Kristin Neff
-
Just Listen
- Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone
- Written by: Mark Goulston MD
- Narrated by: Arthur Morey
- Length: 7 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Drawing on his experience as a psychiatrist, business consultant, and coach, author Mark Goulston combines his background with the latest scientific research to help listeners turn the "impossible" and "unreachable" people in their lives into allies, devoted customers, loyal colleagues, and lifetime friends. Just Listen provides simple but powerful techniques listeners can use to really get through to people.
-
-
Super annoyed
- By Anonymous User on 2023-12-08
Written by: Mark Goulston MD
-
The Secret to Attracting Money
- Written by: Joe Vitale
- Narrated by: Joe Vitale
- Length: 6 hrs and 8 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The potential to attract money and create abundant wealth doesn't reside in your job, your circumstances, or even the economy. It resides within you. Your mind is equipped with the natural ability to attract as much money as you want and need - at anytime, anyplace, in any financial climate, without struggle. You just have to know how to trigger it.
-
-
Expanding on wealth creation
- By Theo Papatheofanous on 2020-02-23
Written by: Joe Vitale
-
Disentangling from Emotionally Immature People
- Avoid Emotional Traps, Stand Up for Your Self, and Transform Your Relationships as an Adult Child of Emotionally Immature Parents
- Written by: Lindsay C. Gibson PsyD
- Narrated by: Rachel Perry
- Length: 9 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
If you grew up with an emotionally immature, unavailable, or selfish parent, you may recall your childhood as a time when your emotional needs were not met or dismissed—and you may have lingering feelings of anger, loneliness, betrayal, and abandonment. As an adult, you have fought hard to establish your own sense of self, and heal the wounds caused by your upbringing. But what about other emotionally immature people (EIP) in your life? As an adult child of an emotionally immature parent (ACEIP), you may be particularly vulnerable to EIPs.
-
-
Immensely Helpful
- By Melony Rocco on 2023-10-05
Written by: Lindsay C. Gibson PsyD
-
The Gaslighting Effect
- A Revealing Look at Psychological Manipulation and Narcissistic Abuse
- Written by: Reva Steenbergen
- Narrated by: Brittany A
- Length: 2 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Gaslighting Effect is a book that delivers a powerful, yet easy-to-understand, compact read covering the whole scope of narcissistic abuse, as told from a survivor's perspective. Reva Steenbergen accomplishes this by combining her own personal experiences with thousands of other survivors, as well as psychiatrists, psychologists, scientists, professors, relationship experts, therapists, and so many more to validate a person's experience with any narcissist.
-
-
Amazing
- By Graham on 2023-01-28
Written by: Reva Steenbergen
What the critics say
What listeners say about I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn’t)
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Shannon
- 2018-12-07
excellent for personal growth
I prefer "Gifts of imperfection" but this is still excellent. would be good if you're a parent.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- From here
- 2022-01-18
Humbling
An integral map to build humanity and kindness towards self and other so we can achieve a more connected world.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Krysee A.
- 2018-11-06
Will listen again.
As a psych student, I found these insights to be very beneficial to my learning and practice!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Alex Cook
- 2020-12-03
Decent read
Not as much actionable content as I would have liked but still a good read.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- David Swanson
- 2020-06-10
Everyone should read (listen to) this.
Brene Brown has done the hard part of figuring out why we feel the way we do, all we need to do now is listen honestly and apply it bravely to our lives. The only thing that could have improved this book would be of it were narrated by Brene herself (nothing wrong with the narrator, but Brene's voice is already well known and comforting).
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Just another Amazon shopper :)
- 2023-04-03
Published in 2010- loved it, the narration was difficult
This is a book of Brené Brown’s early work so is less in depth as some but I still found it very valuable.
I love that BB shares her science based research in Laymans terms, sharing personal stories and human examples.
I found it to be an excellent resource, and a tool for thought-especially when combined with BBs more recent work.
I did find the narration difficult to get through; the narrator seemed to just be reading the pages which completely derails the depth of emotion BB writes with. Im thankful she narrates her own work now.
Regardless, the content made it very worth my time and I would recommend it.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Tifannie
- 2019-03-27
Everyone should either read or listen to this!
I absolutely loved this audio book and plan on listening to it again. I highly recommend and will be buying a copy for my mom and best friend.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Sjm
- 2022-09-26
Prefer authors voice
I always prefer listening to the authors voice. I find it adds more to it, and keeps my attention when it’s Brene.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Chelsea Makie
- 2023-02-08
Amazing
The only thing I wish was different, was having Brené Brown actually narrate, because I have grown to love her through her audiobooks, and I find something very comforting in her voice. Otherwise, the content is amazing.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 2023-02-10
Narrator
I wish Brené Brown would read her own audiobooks. The material is so much more compelling with her personality, character and inflections. Still 10/10 for the material
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!