Art. Have you ever noticed that the most famous paintings have mastered the art of imperfection? Their very value hangs on perfecting imperfection!
You. Art. What is the difference? There is no difference! You are just as valuable (if not more), when you allow a state of imperfection!
Phew! I hope you needed to hear that as much as I needed to type that. I seriously feel lighter!!
Why We Should Allow, Even INVITE, Imperfection
Perfection…It’s Exhausting!
If perfection is achieved, is it sustainable? In any endeavor in which I have ever pursued perfection, I can tell you I have YET to sustain it. And it really didn’t get me all the results that I thought perfection would get me. And if it did, there was plenty of evidence that the results were going to be there despite the momentary perfection I had achieved!
And let’s face it, all the striving and pushing required to achieve perfection can downright exhaust us!
Exhaustion. Is that perfect? No! So how is that perfection working for us? It’s not!
Perfection breeds illness and unworthiness.
One thing I have learned in my years of managing the health of hundreds of families, is that the expectation of perfection within a family (behaving perfectly, achieving perfectly, performing perfectly) is downright debilitating and breeds illness. Mental, emotional, and physical illness. There is nothing about illness that is perfect.
When I am talking with clients, it is amazing how “unworthiness” is at the root of so many of their ailments. Unworthiness comes from shame, shame comes from not being able to attain perfection (in their own, or someone else’s, eyes).
So if perfection breeds unworthiness and illness, is perfection even perfection? Is it even a thing that exists!??
Take a step back and look at the bigger picture. When you are tempted to achieve or maintain perfection in any area, ask yourself what the end-result will likely be and if it is worth the benefits (and will there really be any benefits to begin with?).
Perfection is a societal expectation and born from social conditioning.
Take a look around at society. Societal expectations are grounded in perfection.
You must drop your kid off at this exact time each day. You must maintain this percentage of body fat for your height. You must send holiday cards out by this date. Your shoes must match your handbag. You must save this much for retirement by this age. You must…you must…you must…
It’s exhausting, isn’t it?
Imperfection is a beautiful art. Many beautiful things have arisen out of our imperfections. And guess what? Most people secretly feel more comfortable around people who allow their imperfections to be known (shhhh…)!!!
Embrace your imperfection. Embrace your worthiness. Embrace YOU.
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