At Je Mérite, I Deserve, we celebrate the imperfections that make us who we are.

This week, we’re honoring the powerful affirmation “I Deserve to Be Imperfect” (Je Mérite D’être Imparfait) to remind you that you are worthy right now, today.

Perfection is not the goal; authenticity is. When we allow ourselves to be imperfect, we’re letting go of unrealistic standards and inviting greater self-acceptance, compassion, and joy into our lives.

Let's release ourselves from the chains of comparison, unrealistic expectations, and self-judgment. This simple mindset shift can help us move closer to our true selves.

Here are some gentle practices to help you embrace your imperfections and treat yourself with more kindness.

Enjoy...

 

"Perfection is not the absence of flaws, but the ability to embrace them"

Malala Yousafzai

 

*All photos are links to more information. The bookshop.org link is an affiliate link

1. Set Realistic Expectations

Give yourself permission to let go of the idea that everything has to be “just right.” Focus instead on what feels true and meaningful to you.

Our meditation for this week is meant to help you set intentions based on your values. Please use this meditation to help you to live in alignment with your intentions. This meditation will help you stay motivated and confident to live the life you desire in a positive way. Enjoy.

GUIDED MEDITATION FOR SETTING INTENTIONS BY MINDFUL MOVEMENT

2. Shift Your Perspective

Instead of viewing imperfections as flaws, see them as opportunities to learn and grow. Each challenge or “mistake” is a chance to understand yourself better.

Most of our society has been socialized to think like the second one, “perfectionism is possible but impossibly hard to attain.” Unfortunately, this mindset can lead to perfectionist tendencies which can negatively impact our health and wellbeing. So, what can be done to shift our perspective to heal and restore us to a more balanced and mindful way of living?

Let's review some healthy practices

MINDFULNESS PRACTICES CAN SHIFT OUR PERSPECTIVE FROM PERFECTIONISM TO SELF-ACCEPTANCE AND SELF-COMPASSION

3. Practice Self-Compassion

When you catch yourself being self-critical, take a moment to pause. Replace harsh words with gentle ones. Remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes—it’s part of being human.

Let's read some stories from women... We are not alone in this struggle to combat the expectation to be perfect. I hope these stories help you as they helped me - from The Guardian (author Sarah Marsh and Guardian Readers)

THE PRESSURE OF PERFECTION: FIVE WOMEN TELL THEIR STORIES

4. Celebrate Small Wins

Life is filled with small victories that are often overlooked in the pursuit of perfection. Take time to appreciate your progress, no matter how small. Celebrate yourself along the way.

It can be difficult to see the bigger picture when you’re working toward a long-term goal. Recognizing small wins along the way is not only an important part of making progress, but can also help keep you motivated. We don’t always celebrate those small steps as the wins they are, but they are necessary to keep the big wins coming. So, how do we celebrate our small wins?

WHY CELEBRATING SMALL WINS MATTERS

Finally, to commemorate the end of spooky season, our films. Two gory horror films about the extreme dangers of perfectionism, both starring amazing women (love a good femme led horror). Enjoy!

A note, these are real scary movies, not somewhat scary or thrillers. These films go there.

THE PERFECTION

starring Allison Williams and Logan Browning

When troubled musical prodigy Charlotte seeks out Elizabeth, the new star pupil of her former school, the encounter sends both musicians down a sinister path with shocking consequences.

and a movie in theaters now, a gory masterpiece about beauty standards

THE SUBSTANCE

starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley

A fading celebrity takes a black-market drug: a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself.

YOUR RITUAL THIS WEEK

To support you on this journey of self-acceptance, we suggest our I Deserve Healing candle. Infused with comforting notes of jasmine and honeysuckle — perfect for creating a space where you can release self-judgment and embrace every part of you. Light it as a gentle reminder that healing and growth are found in embracing your authentic self.

For further support, our Mantra Notebook offer a safe place to journal your thoughts, track your progress, and reflect on your journey. Write down your imperfections, your strengths, and the lessons you’re learning along the way. Celebrate all of it.

 

You Are Enough, Just as You Are

Life isn’t about being flawless; it’s about living fully and embracing all the messy, beautiful parts of ourselves. Remember, imperfections don’t make you less worthy—they make you real, unique, and beautifully human.

You deserve love, acceptance, and joy without conditions.

 

As always, affirmations from previous weeks are available here

 

You'll be hearing more from me soon. Promise.

 

Tamara Charese