EMBRACING IMPERFECTION
Perfection. It's a concept that has permeated my life, pushing me onto a perpetual hamster wheel of attainment. But who defines "perfection," anyway? I have never been perfect, but I have certainly tried—as a way to fit in, to be seen and accepted, to please people and feel validated, and to meet the societal pressures that mold us. It never worked, no matter how hard I tried, leading me to realize that the "perfect" versions others held were unattainable and didn't fit my true self.
THE PURSUIT OF PERFECTION CAN BE STIFLING. IT STOPS US FROM CREATING WHAT WE TRULY DESIRE IN OUR HEARTS—BE IT ART, AN INNOVATIVE HAIRSTYLE, OR THE LIFE WE DREAM OF. THE FEAR OF NOT BEING ABLE TO ACHIEVE A FLAWLESS RESULT OFTEN LEADS US TO ABANDON OUR ENDEAVORS EVEN BEFORE WE MAKE A START.
Creating anything—a masterpiece or a simple thought—begins with a dream, a passion, and a vision. It doesn't need to be perfect, nor does it need to resonate with everyone else. What it does need is the courage to try. This realization became particularly poignant when my partner became ill, and I reverted to my old patterns of overachieving and perfectionism, trying to control the uncontrollable.
In my youth, I tried to fit in with people I didn't need to impress and sought validation from those who should have appreciated me for all my glorious mess. It was all about control—trying to feel empowered when I felt powerless. But I've learned that life changes when you work through your conditioning and realize you don't need to prove anything to anyone except yourself.
You, As You Are
You are perfectly equipped to chase your dreams, fight battles, celebrate victories, and learn from defeats. Embrace your imperfections; they make you human, relatable, and real. Your unique blend of strengths and weaknesses, talents, and areas for growth is what sets you apart.
Remember, your value and worth aren't based on an elusive idea of perfection. They are inherent to your existence. It's crucial to recognize that you are already perfect, just the way you are. Pursuing growth and learning does not require perfection—it requires courage, tenacity, resilience, and, most importantly, the willingness to try and fall, only to stand up and try again. You're already perfect in your imperfections; it's time to believe it.
As I navigate life, embracing my imperfections has been liberating and a profound journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Let us all take a moment to step off the hamster wheel of perfection and appreciate the beauty of our authentic selves.