We often find it easier to change and fix ourselves than to just accept ourselves, and as Pema Chodron once said, this can sometimes mask a subtle form of aggression towards ourselves. Frequently, we expect some kinds of perfection in everything we undertake, so this variation on loving-kindness practice – suggested by Dr. Willoughby Britton – might be helpful. She recommends choosing one of the phrases and repeating them during the day, or when we are sitting in meditation:
I allow myself to be imperfect
I allow myself to make mistakes
I allow myself to be a learner in life
I forgive myself
May I be free
photo yuya sekiguchi
Mindfulbalance 
I appreciate your blog. Today I took one of those phrases from your post and wrote it down on a slip of paper. All day, I will carry that reminder in my front right pocket. I frequently put my hand in my pocket so lest I forget there is my reminder.
“May I be free.” 🙂
It has been my experience after a life time of self help that it doesn’t make you happy. Acceptance is definitely the ticket. My mantra has become….’it’s ok to be afraid’ or anything else. But it took me those many years of self help to arrive at ‘it’s OK’. I do so enjoy your blog. Always profound and uplifting.
My inner perfectionist screams at hearing those phrases of acceptance: don’t give up! Try harder! Don’t settle!
Then, after a breath or two I realize my ego has had it’s fun and that’s okay. I can let it go and enjoy what is right before me.