I overthink things. In fact, I tend to give myself a hard time for the smallest mistakes. 

Of course, I try to learn from mistakes and move on, I do my best in any given situation, yet I am so afraid of being wrong! Silly, but true.

*…deep breath…*

![ocean](https://s26.postimg.org/sg19jpem1/SJDS-bay02.jpg)

Self-acceptance is vital, as is forgiveness. It’s so freeing, such a gift to let go of judgment and roll with life.

Yet it can be so hard!

Deep breaths help. Sometimes I have to repeat “I forgive myself,” or “Everything is okay, all is well” like a mantra.

And still I find myself thinking about small mistakes, or even kicking myself (for the zillionth time) for things I did years ago.

What is this obsession with being perfect? I am human. I make mistakes. I don’t know everything.

In fact, the older I get, the more I realize I have so much to learn!

![ocean](https://s26.postimg.org/3mrpj23bd/SJDS-bay03.jpg)

The thing that helps me the most is thinking of life as an ocean, and myself as a surfer. Sometimes I’m riding the waves, sometimes I’m underwater, but as long as I keep hold of my surfboard I’ll be okay.

When I take a step back, go big picture and remember I’m such a small part of this world (or ocean, since we’re using that metaphor), it helps. 

You know when you’re by the sea and you feel so small, or you look up to the sky and see the stars, and realize you’re but a small speck in the universe? This helps me, too, because I remember that my mistakes are but tiny waves in a massive ocean.

Perspective is everything.

I’ll leave you with a quote, by an unknown author:

**"Self-acceptance is at the core of a peaceful mind."** 

Do you have any ways that work for you to reach self-acceptance and forgiveness? I’d love to hear them. (Really. Help a girl out.)

**Take care of yourself. You are a gift!**

Peace. @katrina-ariel

![Katrina Ariel](https://s26.postimg.org/dezpj05i1/orange_hat.jpg)

*All photos mine.*

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