10 Tips for Embracing Your Flaws

10 Tips for Embracing Your Flaws

 Are your so-called flaws getting you down? It's time to start loving yourself for who you are — right here, right now. Here are ten tips for embracing your flaws and accepting yourself completely.

1 Acknowledge what's bothering you

Without understanding the root of your concerns, it's hard to come to terms with your flaws. Dig deep and see if there are issues beneath the flaws that you need to address.

2 Use your flaws to guide self-improvement

Embracing your flaws doesn't mean you can't improve yourself. In some cases, recognizing certain flaws gives you the opportunity to work on those imperfections. If your flaw is something you want to change, go for it!

3 Appreciate your individuality

Your flaws may make you different from everybody else, but that's a good thing! Don't make the mistake of trying to fit the mold. Just look at Jennifer Grey, who altered her distinctive¹ nose and went from Dirty Dancing fame to being unrecognizable.

4 Don't let your flaws hold you back

Have you seen the new TLC reality show Abby & Brittany? The show follows the "everyday, normal lives" of conjoined twins whose parents raised them to believe they can do anything anyone else can — and they do! Imagine if they wallowed in their differences instead of embracing them and getting on with life.

5 Put things in perspective

Instead of focusing on everything that's bothering you, grab a notepad and jot² down three things you are grateful for. Wouldn't you rather have your health and your beautiful family than be a stunning³ beauty without those precious gifts?

6 Make your flaws famous

Lady Gaga recently responded to criticism of her weight gain by launching a "Body Revolution," posting pics of herself in a bra and underwear and encouraging fans to do the same. "May we make our flaws famous, and thus redefine the heinous," Gaga wrote on her blog.

7 Google it

If your flaw is something physical, Google it. That's right. Type "fat thighs⁴" or "big nose" in the search box and search images. Warning: You'll see some extreme images (some digitally altered), but we guarantee it will put things in perspective.

8 Flip⁵ your flaw

If you can find the strength in your flaw, you're a lot more likely to own it. For example, if you've always considered yourself quiet and shy, that probably means you're an amazing listener and observer.

9 Don't compare yourself

Let this be the year of you. Stop comparing yourself to others and love yourself for who you are — the good, the bad and the ugly. Everyone has their own idiosyncrasies. That's what makes life interesting!

10 Be flawsome

Yes, flawsome is an actual term. It was recently coined by trendwatching.com to describe brands that show humanity by being open about their flaws. In their words, "Human nature dictates⁶ that people have a hard time genuinely connecting with, being close to, or really trusting other humans who (pretend to) have no weaknesses, flaws, or mistakes." Who wants that? Embrace your flaws — and be flawsome!

1 distinctive   

adj.特别的，有特色的，与众不同的

参考例句：

• She has a very distinctive way of walking.她走路的样子与别人很不相同。
• This bird has several distinctive features.这个鸟具有几种突出的特征。

2 jot   

n.少量；vi.草草记下；vt.匆匆写下

参考例句：

• I'll jot down their address before I forget it.我得赶快把他们的地址写下来，免得忘了。
• There is not a jot of evidence to say it does them any good.没有丝毫的证据显示这对他们有任何好处。

3 stunning   

adj.极好的；使人晕倒的

参考例句：

• His plays are distinguished only by their stunning mediocrity.他的戏剧与众不同之处就是平凡得出奇。
• The finished effect was absolutely stunning.完工后的效果非常美。

4 thighs   

n.股，大腿( thigh的名词复数 )；食用的鸡（等的）腿

参考例句：

• He's gone to London for skin grafts on his thighs. 他去伦敦做大腿植皮手术了。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• The water came up to the fisherman's thighs. 水没到了渔夫的大腿。 来自《简明英汉词典》

5 flip   

vt.快速翻动；轻抛；轻拍；n.轻抛；adj.轻浮的

参考例句：

• I had a quick flip through the book and it looked very interesting.我很快翻阅了一下那本书，看来似乎很有趣。
• Let's flip a coin to see who pays the bill.咱们来抛硬币决定谁付钱。

6 dictates   

n.命令，规定，要求( dictate的名词复数 )v.大声讲或读( dictate的第三人称单数 )；口授；支配；摆布

参考例句：

• Convention dictates that a minister should resign in such a situation. 依照常规部长在这种情况下应该辞职。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• He always follows the dictates of common sense. 他总是按常识行事。 来自《简明英汉词典》