Making friends with your (perceived) imperfections


What’s one thing you are struggling to accept about yourself right now? Come on, you know that thing that ‘if only you could fix’ you’d be truly happy with yourself? Or maybe it’s like two things. Three? More? Oh my…I think we need to talk!

Did you know that accepting your perceived imperfections can set you free and be the catalyst for becoming the absolute best version of yourself? Wouldn’t it be wonderful not to hide your smile, wear baggy clothes, stay covered up, or constantly hide behind makeup? We all deserve to feel like the amazing, miraculous beings we are. Our true selves. Maybe we’re a little worn around the edges or a little banged up after using our precious body as the vessel in which we navigate this thing called ‘life.’

When you’re comfortable in your own skin you look beautiful, regardless of any flaws
— Emily Deschanel

Okay my beloved, listen close…A physical flaw will only be an obstacle for you if you let it. That’s a fact. If you’re hoping to make some reasonable changes, go for it! Be inspired to change and grow. However, please stop thinking you need to ‘fix’ yourself, because you are not broken!

Did you know that between 80 to 90% of women have cellulite at one point in their lives? It’s normal! Our scars, our wrinkles, our curves, our dimples, our freckles… they make us uniquely us. The idea that we are only physically attractive if we conform to look like the movie stars or runway models is ludicrous! These perceptions come from outside sources that probably want to sell you something. Thankfully, more and more commercial images are celebrating real women and real women’s bodies. Look for images that resemble you (they’re our there!) and post them up as a reminder of your own true beauty.

Choose love. Self-love. From that place of self-love, you will treat your body like the treasure it is. You’ll listen when it calls for more sleep. You’ll nourish yourself with foods that fuel you, making you feel healthy and strong. You’ll hydrate, manage your stress, and find ways to move making use of your body’s wonderful abilities. Dance, go for a walk, make love, practice yoga, take up boxing- whatever you do, make it fun! When you treat yourself this way, it naturally translates into glowing skin, bright eyes, and a swing in your step. When you love yourself, you love just as fiercely when you eat the extra cookies, stay up late, have the glass of wine, and skip the workout. These things happen to all of us. Let them happen without beating yourself up and you’ll be so much better for it. The all-or-nothing approach doesn’t usually work. So stop fueling those negative thoughts and replace them with the kindness and compassion you deserve. Would you talk to your best friend the way you speak to yourself sometimes? Start being your own best friend.

And I said to my body softly, ‘I want to be your friend’ it took a long breath and replied, ‘I have been waiting my whole life for this.
— Nayyira Waheed

A pinch of soul
with a whole lot of sass.
A sprinkle of naughty
and just enough class.
The strength of a warrior
and a go-to-hell glare
a past that’s not perfect
because life isn’t fair.
A sailor’s mouth
with a heart full of love,
That’s what a BADASS is made of.
— cwpoet


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When is it ever going to be the “right” time?

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Facing Your Fear