The importance of self-acceptance

Trying to change ourselves doesn’t work in the long run because we’re resisting our own energy. Self-improvement can have temporary results, but lasting transformation occurs only when we honor ourselves as the source of wisdom and compassion...

It is only when we begin to relax with ourselves as we are that meditation becomes a transformative process. When we relate with ourselves without moralizing, without harshness, without deception, we finally let go of harmful patterns.

--Pema Chödrön

This does not mean that we don't change. Meditation will effect powerful change if we persevere and truly let go. It means, rather, that we don't require change of ourselves as a condition for self-acceptance. The acceptance must come first. Then there's enough spaciousness within to make room for change.