So, a while back, I talked about being me instead of being perfect. I had made the internal decision some time before writing about it publicly, but what I said then still stands well:
It took me most of my life to realize that, if I wanted to be truly happy, I needed to stop trying to be some theoretical ideal and start being me.
I had to acknowledge that who and what I am, with all my quirks and flaws, is not a bad person to be. Instead of going against my own grain, I could strive to be the best me I could be. I had to realize that I’m not responsible for other people’s expectations and perceptions; I’m only responsible for my own actions, words, path, and happiness.
Acknowledging my imperfection, letting go of unrealistic expectation, and looking within to see where I wanted to go – not should go, but wanted to go – have made even the hard things possible.
I let myself believe that it’s not just okay to be me, but that I have a right to it, and I can step up to defend my right to be me, while letting myself be nebulous and transitory, mid-evolution between birth and death.
And the other day, much to my delighted surprised, I found out that I’m not the only one refusing the expectation and pressure of perfection. A lady named BrenĂ© Brown, who has a really pretty website, decided to start a week-long Perfection Protest. Complete with photos and signs.
And that’s pretty damn awesome.
I don’t have a photo of myself and a sign to post – at least, not right now – but I want to add my voice to the outcry that says we are enough. That claims who we are is unique and authentic and awesome. That demands no more outlandish expectations of an ideal that cannot exist in a dynamic, ever-evolving universe.
Because you know what? Imperfection is way more fun.
[…] there is power in not being perfect – in not only accepting that, but celebrating it. There is power in being a monster and […]
I read someplace recently “creativity comes from chaos” and thought of you. There’s a resonance with the whole idea that nature abhors a vaccuum. I abhor them too, that’s why the beige living room carpet is currently grey, with a thin film of cathair.
That is an awesome quote/concept.
Don’t worry, I hate vacuums too. J handles that bit. :D