Accepting the Beauty of Our Imperfections . . . .

If I indulge in the “comparison crunch,” the victim is usually my self-esteem. There will always be someone smarter, thinner, more creative, prettier, or younger than me.

Like me, like you, like all of us we’re filled with holes like Swiss cheese, but our inadequacies are in different places.

I have adopted as my motto the disclaimer often found on clothing made of cotton or raw silk.

“This garment is made of 100 percent natural fibers.

Any irregularity or variation is not to be considered defective. 

 Imperfections enhance the beauty of the fabric.”

What a great way to look at ourselves! Imperfections only enhance our beauty. It is not that I don’t want change, grow, or do my best, but by celebrating that I’m made of “100 percent natural fibers,” I’m creating a climate of acceptance in which transformation can, and will take place.


I close my eyes and imagine myself as a unique and priceless tapestry created entirely from natural materials. I admire my tapestry exactly as it is now. That wise part of my subconscious has given me a rich symbol to explore.


In my gratitude journal I write down my feelings and thoughts about this beautiful tapestry that is me. I give thanks for its uniqueness, and appreciate it as it is.

I accept myself just as I am now.

I give thanks for myself and my many imperfections.

I give myself permission

to transform and beautify my personal tapestry.

How many times do we congratulate ourselves. How many more times do we criticize ourselves? Congratulating ourselves is energizing; criticizing is debilitating.
Often at the end of the year we look back and laminate that we haven’t accomplished anything. From the perspective of others we have done amazing things in wonderful and courageous ways.
If we look back on our year with a critical eye and give ourselves a gold star for each of our accomplishment we will soon be amazed at how much we have accomplished. Our attitude of self-criticism will change to one of self-congratulating. We will laugh more, feel excited, energized, and empowered.
We need to be a good friend to ourselves. We need to have the courage to stop the criticism that cripples us and learn instead to compliment and congratulate ourselves. We can make it a habit by doing it day after day until we are empowered to become our better selves.

I congratulate myself for the good things

I do, say, and think.

I congratulate myself on the person I am,

And the person I am becoming.

I deserve gold stars . . . . So do you.