Old Happy culture taught you that, if you can just find a way to be perfect, then everything will be okay.

Then you'll be happy. Then you'll feel like you belong. Then you'll be able to make a difference in the world.

It doesn't work that way. In fact, it's the opposite: the sooner that you realize that you're acceptable right now, exactly as you are, the sooner you will be able to be happy, to discover your sense of belonging, and to make a positive impact on others.

Start saying to yourself, “I’m acceptable right now, exactly as I am.” Then watch what happens—how your self-acceptance helps you to grow.