Score: 5/5 Bookmarks

My Perfectly Imperfect Life: 127 Exercises for Self-Acceptance is a beautiful book written by Irene Smit and Astrid van der Hulst of Flow magazine and illustrated by Karen Weening.

My Perfectly Imperfect Life talks about the modern vision of success being tied to perfectionism, whether it’s at home, work, parenthood etc. then walks you through exercises to help you accept and honor the things that make you unique (flaws and all).

There are ideas for small changes you can make, written prompts to help you shift your focus, and endearingly lovely illustrations throughout. You’ll also find thoughtful and motivational quotes sprinkled amongst the pages.

“It’s the imperfections that make things beautiful.” —Jenny Han, author

One of my favorite suggestions is to get out of the house to practice mindfulness, to go to a museum, walk a new neighborhood, or check out your local library. Another is an exercise where you compare what you would usually say to a friend versus what you would say to yourself in a particular situation. We are, after all, usually our own worst critics.

This book is beautiful in both content and physical execution and definitely something I would recommend to anyone looking to practice a little more acceptance, grace, and mindfulness in their own lives.

Oh, and did I mention that it includes some super adorable stickers in the back of the book?!

Synopsis:

From the bestselling editors at Flow magazine comes a guided journal with a welcoming, come-as-you-are message: Embrace the things that make you you, flaws and all. Charmingly illustrated and filled with activities and exercises, My Perfectly Imperfect Life inspires readers to let go of the pressure to be perfect and to celebrate quirks, slipups and imperfections rather than judge them.

Here are prompts for easing up on self-criticism. For slowing down, and worrying less about accomplishments. For keeping a sense of perspective—even a playful one—when things don’t go as planned. It’s a thoughtful gift and an inspiring counterpoint to the too-perfectly-curated, omnipresent Instagram lifestyle.