Just like an abstract painting full of imperfect strokes that make up a beautiful piece of art, what we consider our imperfections make up our person. If you focus on a random strip of paint, you may believe it to be useless, out of place or a mistake, but then you look at the big picture and realize that the artist intentionally added it, enhancing the uniqueness of their art.

     Our qualities, even those that we don't always like, make us unique individuals. I think life on earth would be pretty boring if every one of its billions of occupants shared the same traits. I think life on earth wouldn't be possible if we were all the same.

     That's not to say that you can't work on improving your traits and behaviors, but I believe that a lot of the characteristic that we deem imperfections have been imposed on use and are not entirely bad.

       Learning to love yourself is not pretending to be perfect. You don't always have to be happy. We all have days when we feel down. Loving yourself is accepting that these feelings are part of who you are.

     It is accepting that you are human.

     It is accepting that you can make mistakes.

     It is seeing all of your imperfections and transforming them into something beautiful. I urge you to try to see the positive in what you deem to be your imperfect traits.

      People may say you're too sensitive. It doesn't matter. Show them how far your empathy goes. Show them the impact of a single act of kindness. Cry for someone else's misfortune if that's who you are. Seeing that another person cares as much as they do, may offer unbelievable support.

     People may say you're too loud. It doesn't matter. Let your voice be heard. Voice your opinions where they matter most. Speak up for those who can't.

People may say you're too quiet. It doesn't matter. Show them the power of your actions instead. Show them the power of a small smile; the power of kind eyes and attentive ears.

      With no apology, show them who you are.

     Show them who you are in both your best qualities and your imperfections...

     They are not always so different.