Accept Yourself Coloring Page from Tiny Buddha’s Worry Journal

Hi friends! If you’re a regular reader, you know I’ve recently been sharing some of the coloring pages from Tiny Buddha’s Worry Journal, which includes questions, written prompts, and doodle prompts to help you work through worries and minimize anxiety in your daily.

So far I’ve shared:

Today’s page is one of my favorites, and not just because I love Rose Hwang’s beautiful illustration and enjoyed using so many bright colors.

I love this page because it reminds me that imperfection is all about perception. What you consider a flaw someone else might consider a strength. What you feel tempted to hide someone else might perceive as beautiful.

There’s a Japanese term, Kintsugi, that refers to the art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with powdered gold or other precious metals. This practice began in the 15th century when Japanese military commander Ashikaga Yoshimasa wanted to repair a broken tea bowl in a visually pleasing way. Kintsugi has come to be known as way to honor an object’s history, rather than attempting to hide the damage.

I think about this sometimes when I look at my left leg. I have a series of scars toward the top, remnants from a time when I channeled my depression and shame into self-harm. For a while I was too insecure to wear shorts or a bathing suit because I worried that someone might see them and judge me. Now when I look at them, I try to visualize the faded lines in gold.

Then I remember those lines are like a map that led me directly here. Every other scar, physical or emotional, is a testament to my strength, not my weakness. And every idiosyncrasy, from my introversion to my sensitivity, is a gift, not a curse, that has enabled me to make a difference in the world.

The same is true for all us: our scars, our quirks, our imperfections—these aren’t things we need to hide. We are who we are because of them, not in spite of them. And every colorful piece of our past and personality is part of what us makes us beautiful.

From now until June 26th, you’ll get three bonus gifts, including a guided meditation series on letting go, when you pre-order Tiny Buddha’s Worry Journal. All you need to do is order a copy here and forward your purchase confirmation email to worryjournal@tinybuddha.com.

About Lori Deschene

Lori Deschene is the founder of Tiny Buddha. She started the site after struggling with depression, bulimia, c-PTSD, and toxic shame so she could recycle her former pain into something useful and inspire others do the same. She recently created the Breaking Barriers to Self-Care eCourse to help people overcome internal blocks to meeting their needs—so they can feel their best, be their best, and live their best possible life. If you’re ready to start thriving instead of merely surviving, you can learn more and get instant access here.

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