There is No Perfect. Seriously. There Isn’t.
One quick Google search and you can see that there is a bit of an obsession around being perfect.
It’s a lofty goal.
It’s also absurd.
Because there is no perfect. And even if there was, it’s like choosing plastic utensils over antique silver.
Perfection is an ideal, but it isn’t a reality. It’s much healthier to remove the word “perfect” entirely and replace it with powerful, obtainable goals.
Instead of a perfect body, work towards a healthy body.
Instead of a perfect job, find a challenging job where you can grow.
Instead of seeking out perfect friends, find some super loyal ones.
The Japanese tradition of wabi-sabi focuses on an acceptance of imperfection and finding beauty within that imperfection.
Wabi-sabi is the wood floors in your living room with scratches on them from your much loved dog. It’s the wrinkles on your grandmother’s face from years of smiling. It’s the random flower sprouting in a field of weeds. It’s the scar on your leg from the surgery that saved your life.
Stories are found in the imperfections. A glossy magazine will never hold a candle to a well-worn book. A new pair of jeans will never feel as good as the faded pair with the frayed hem.
Perfection is a mirage. We tell ourselves that it exists, but it really doesn’t. And even if it did, it would be hugely overrated.
Embrace your crooked smile, your almost perfect test score and your chipped windshield.
Devour your slightly burnt omelette.
Frame your “not even close to Monet” artwork.
Throw on some sandals and let your crooked toes free.
You are unique.
You are one of a kind.
And you are a million times better than perfect.
I really like this post. Not just for daughters but for everyone.
Something like this should be on the school curriculum along with a set of ‘life-skills’ for every single school child.
There’s so much focus on ‘academia’ but not many on life-skills.
I do agree that there is certainly an emphasis on academia. I’m sure it’s not an easy fix, but every child is built differently with differing strengths and weaknesses. One child my be great at math while another is great at compassion. If we can teach our kids at home to not beat themselves up, we will help to boost their self confidence in trying new things.