Accept Your Flaws

“I’ve come to accept my flaws—or rather, certain ones that are also part of my personality and complement other traits that are my strengths. I talk a lot because I love telling stories, explaining a great documentary in detail, debating political issues, or raving about the work of an artist who wasn’t recognized in her own time. I often apologize because I observe others and put myself in their shoes—I don’t want to offend them or make them feel uncomfortable. So I also try to talk less and listen more, and I’ve stopped apologizing for every little thing. But I also accept that sometimes I do too much or not enough. My flaws are also part of who I am. I’m learning this, and I’ll continue to learn it throughout my life. We need to be more forgiving of ourselves—and therefore of others as well.”