A few years back, when my daughter was younger, she asked if she could paint my nails. Naturally, I said yes and offered that I would paint hers too. We talked and talked while she gave me her best manicure. When she was done, she asked me if I liked it. I told her I LOVED it. And I did. I wore that manicure for a least two weeks. I proudly showed it off to anyone who would listen. Was it perfect? No. I didn’t care. I loved it and so did she. You can see our handiwork below.
In a world that often expects perfection, it’s easy to forget that we are all beautifully flawed human beings. The cure for that is remembering that self-compassion is your friend and the key to unlocking a world of self-love. You know around here we believe in Progress Over Perfection. Psst.. perfection doesn’t actually exist. So, let’s focus more on embracing our imperfections so we can spend more time simply living our best lives.
Showing up for ourselves looks like…
- Embracing Our Humanity
For some reason, we tend to be our harshest critics when we should be our biggest advocates. While it’s great to have high standards, we have to remember we are human. It’s only natural to make mistakes or face challenges and even fail along the way. Remember that failure is simply feedback. Take it in and use it to know what to do differently next time. Instead of beating yourself up, practice self-compassion and treat yourself with the kindness you’d offer a friend.
- Letting Go of Self-Judgment
Is anybody else guilty of being way too judgy… of yourself? The secret is the more you practice self-compassion, the easier it is to silence that inner critic. Acknowledge your flaws. We all have them. Just know that they don’t define your worth. Be gentle with yourself. Oftentimes, other people won’t. That makes it even more crucial that you are.
- Practicing Mindful Self-Kindness
One of the most beautiful gifts you can give yourself is the practice of mindful self-kindness. When you feel overwhelmed or stressed, take a moment to pause, breathe, and remind yourself that it’s okay to feel this way. Offer yourself encouraging words and let compassion guide you through challenging times.
- Celebrating Your Progress
Often, we forget to celebrate our successes, no matter how small they may seem. Acknowledge your progress and achievements, and don’t diminish their significance. Every step you take toward growth and healing is worth celebrating. Be your own cheerleader, reminding yourself that each step matters – even baby steps.
5. Seeking Support and Connection
Remember, you don’t have to go through life’s struggles alone. Embrace the beauty of connection by seeking support from people who care about you. Surround yourself with those who uplift and inspire you, and in return, offer your support to others.
Embrace your imperfections, they make you real and not a robot. Remember, you are worthy, you are enough, and you are beautifully human.
