Give yourself permission to embrace weaknesses and imperfection.

Many of us can easily extend compassion toward others but have trouble doing the same for ourselves. We tend to hold a different standard for ourselves, and quite often, a higher one. When life doesn’t happen the way we planned, when we make a mistake, or when we don’t show up the same way other people do, the feeling of not good enough quickly surfaces. We may become very critical of ourselves. We may get defensive and try to justify the situation. After all, who wants to feel like a failure? We are taught to celebrate success and disdain losers. Embracing weaknesses and imperfection is not a popular practice. Today, let's go against the norm. Recognizing our own humanity and honoring the fact that everyone experiences pain and failure at some point in their lives. If we can be understanding and accepting of others’ faults, we can do the same for ourselves. Self-compassion is not self-indulgence or self-pity, it’s a healthy way to relieve anxiety and insecurity. Give yourself permission to embrace weaknesses and imperfection, and open your heart to self-compassion.