Knots and All

Sometimes I wish I were a little less imperfect. When I look at my handwriting, for example, it reminds me of my dysgraphia, of the years I spent wishing I could write “neatly” without struggle. Or when I find myself needing help with something as simple as untangling my hair after a long day. These moments once made me feel like I was lacking in some way.

But lately, I’ve been realizing that embracing these “imperfections” is part of the journey. Learning to love myself as I am has meant learning to accept the things I can’t quite make go away. It’s about showing myself kindness and letting go of that need to be perfect in every way.

One of the most liberating things I’ve learned is that embracing my “imperfections” actually makes me stronger. When I let myself ask for help—whether it’s untangling my hair or navigating a challenging day—I find a deeper connection with those who support me, like my husband, Calvin, who always steps in without a second thought. I used to think that asking for help was a sign of weakness, but now I see it as a way to honor my own needs.

Being vulnerable, allowing myself to be human, has helped me see these so-called imperfections as just another part of me. They make me who I am. And when I stopped fighting them, I found a freedom that I didn’t expect.

Self-love isn’t just about celebrating the things we think are wonderful about ourselves. It’s about acknowledging and accepting the parts that don’t fit neatly into our idea of “perfect.” For me, self-love has meant telling myself that it’s okay to be imperfect. It’s okay if my handwriting never improves. It’s okay if I need help with things that might seem small to others.

This is the heart of my journey: reminding myself that I don’t need to have it all figured out. I can be both a work in progress and someone worthy of love. The phrase “Don’t forget to love yourself” speaks to me because it’s a reminder that self-acceptance is an ongoing battle. Sometimes, it means allowing myself to struggle, to be messy, to be a bit tangled up—and to still see beauty in that.

If you’re reading this and can relate, know that you’re not alone. There’s strength in choosing to be kind to yourself. Sometimes, that might mean asking for help, and sometimes it’s just telling yourself that you’re doing the best you can. I encourage you to lean into those “imperfections” and see them as part of what makes you, you.

We don’t need to have all the answers or meet every standard we’ve set for ourselves. Perfection isn’t the goal. Authenticity is. And when we embrace our imperfections, we become stronger, kinder, and more resilient.

The journey to self-love isn’t about changing who we are. It’s about learning to see ourselves fully and lovingly, knots and all. So next time you feel tangled up, remember: you’re already enough just as you are. And that’s worth celebrating. YOU are worth celebrating.