Being imperfect is a new you!!
“No one is perfect…that’s why pencils have erasers”.
From a flicking thought to become a real expression of life happened with a deliberate attempt to unravel the mystery of my persona. Attempting to know the real ‘ME’ who oscillates from pure joy to sad just by a drop of the water. I have my own flaws and imperfections. I am temperamental and I like things to go on my way. I love too much and give too fast. I can fight for something too hard and sometimes can give up too fast. But this is me and I am not changing myself for anything else in this world. My goodness balances out my flaws and I am one hell of a STRONG WOMEN. That’s why I say “Being imperfect is a new you” and this revelation is a EUREKA moment for me.
You must be wondering what I am up to but as I sit back in my comfortable black chair and desk with a cup of coffee by my side, I feel happy and relaxed then I gaze upon my all messed up home, a couple of stacks of laundry lying around. I realised that my daughter’s dollies and dollhouse ( being her fav play spots) are still strewn across the house because I didn’t feel much like stopping to pick them up prior to my retreat to writing — “My Comfort Zone”. I realize that I have to cook, exercise and have an inbox full of emails to answer. But all that can wait.
Sounds very normal for every woman, right? But, for me, this maintained mellowness in a chaotic sea is a pretty big deal. You see, I’m a recovering perfectionist (mind you- not Amir khan) but a lil bit of perfection dwells inside me… There was a time in my life when uncleaned messes, unanswered calls, messages and other untied loose ends would have sank in at my very core and robbed my peace of my mind completely until I cried mercy, giving them all the attention they demanded.
There were times when I put my heart and soul into my work and keeping completely engrossed myself to the bone until they were executed again like a perfectionist. I remember days of changing my outfit a dozen times before leaving the house and even after that not feeling confident about it. The voice of my subconscious mind was always used to nag me that there was room for improvement, to reach that so-called perfection.
But somewhere at some point of time, I realized that the stacks of degrees and certificates piled up somewhere in my perfectly clean house, my perfect look, uncleaned mess, were actually driving me towards mental insanity. In fact, they were only temporary fixes to fill the voids of my spirit, as I desperately avoided being completely honest with myself and opening up to my truth and vulnerability.
I am talking so much about perfectionism but let’s have a look at what exactly it is…It is a trait that makes life in an endless report card on accomplishments and looks. A fast and enduring track to unhappiness. In fact, it is a cosy lil blanket we always try to sweep under it. But, while we trick ourselves into believing it is keeping us safe and warm, in reality, it’s just a shield to hide what’s really going on inside.
How can we stop focusing on perfection, and embrace our true selves?
1. Just be true to yourself…..Dress up for yourself, go to your fav cafe, fetch a cup of coffee, explore new places and seek the beauty that surrounds you. When our heart appreciates and explores the simple around us our mindset begins to change. Just as the simple saying goes, “Stop and smell the flowers.”
Just don’t indulge yourself in doing something to impress someone! Sit back, relax and think over it. What does outside approval even get you? People may think you are cool and you’re living a perfect life? Few “thumbs up” or compliments on Facebook and Instagram will not be going to change your true self. You’re living your life in a way that somebody else agrees with? Isn’t it??
Well, if you are not living your own truth and doing things that are in alignment with your own soul’s calling, then you will be left feeling unfulfilled and always grasping for the unknown world validation. Instead, focus on: Everything you need is already inside of you. Learn to pull out all that outside noise and just celebrate your unique beauty. A good self-check is to ask, “Am I doing this for the cause or the applause?”
2. Perfection is a self-constraining illusion….Nobody is perfect in this world. We all make mistakes otherwise we’d be known as robots. We all have good days and bad days. Plus, one person’s definition of “perfect” can be completely different from the other. So, why act like a crazy person and make your life hell over something that is delusional? Stop the madness and be kind to yourself!
3. Ask yourself, “ What sparks my soul”…In pursuit of perfection, we often feel despondent, closed in. That’s because, we’re so focused on the end result, we put some serious blinders on and miss out on beautiful connections with others. People will much more closely connect with our truth (especially the right connections for you). No need to hide. Let your heart sing and soul shine!
4. Let it go…Allowing ourselves to be real and vulnerable is not always easy. However, living a life hiding from our true identity is even more painful.
Living your truth means embracing and accepting all aspects of you — bumps, bruises, scars everything that life gives us. Don’t cover them under the layers of makeup. Unlock the potential of unlimited happiness in your life by letting go.
Perfection is as elusive as silence…You can never quite reach perfection; and just when you think you’ve achieved it, something changes, and it gets lost… Throw caution to the wind, embrace your imperfections, celebrate your authenticity, breathe in each precious moment, and give vulnerability and acceptance a try.
You might just discover the glorious freedom that exists within, underneath the “perfect” armour.
Once you peel back all those layers and discover the breathtaking beauty of self, you might even find yourself tilting your head back toward the sky and allowing a giant smile to come across your lips. Congratulations, you are back home... Now enjoy your life to the fullest!
