Give it up. There is no such thing as perfection. No perfect self, no perfect family, no perfect work.
You do not have to be perfect to be beautiful.
Last night I went to bed filled with gratitude for my family. We’ve had a lot of time together these past few weeks, my husband and I and our three grown children. Getting ready to leave the home we have lived in for the past 17 years, all going in different directions. I am filled with love for this imperfect family and for me, the imperfect mother and wife.
We are not the same people we were 17 years ago.
We are all a work in progress.
We all make mistakes.
We are always changing.
And that is what makes it all so good. We’re still here and still together – forgiving each other (most of the time), celebrating the best in each other (and sometimes not), seeing each other’s potential (and sometimes not). Watch this inspiring video, where Jonathan Fields interviews writer Katherine Preston on The Upside of Stuttering. She says,
I believe in laughing at my stutter, in addressing it and treating it with as much common sense as possible.
And finally, listen to Leonard Cohen sing “Anthem” live. You have probably heard this oft-quoted line from that song.
“Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget that perfect offering. There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.”
Image Credit: Thanks to Kim Klassen for the texture (finale), the brush stamp quote and the inspiration.
Thanks for such a life-affirming piece, Kim. Perfectionism dogs so many of us and prevents us from experiencing the joy that is there…Kudos to you for appreciating your life and family and taking time to get ready for the changes ahead. All power to you! I am always inspired by your site’s offerings; please keep them coming!
Thanks for the affirming feedback, Sherry G. We are too hard on ourselves sometimes for the imperfection.
Oh, I struggle with this – the idea of achieving perfection – or actually NOT reaching it. Thanks for a wonderful reminder that imperfection is the reality.
I struggle with it too, Brenda, and have to remind myself sometimes. Thanks for your presence here.
Give it up!! I love that 3 word sentence. Growing up in a very imperfect family, I longed for the perfect family of my own. Except I learned there wasn’t such a thing. Your thoughts are clear – no perfect anything, and we are all a work in progress which is the best part about life, I have learned. Thanks so much for sharing this post! Love your photo work, and wishing you success as you and your family leave your long time home.
Kim, what you’ve written is so … on! Thank you for sharing this. Often times, we are our own worse enemy, fueling frustration over things that were never meant to be in the first place. “Let it go!” Those words will remain with me for a while …
Yes, letting go of things that were never meant to be in the first place. Those words will remain with me, Gilbert.
Kim, I’ve always loved this quote from Anne Lamott: “Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your entire life.” How nice it is to overturn the dictatorship of our minds! Love all that you do, Dina
Thanks, Dina. Leave it to Anne Lamott to tell it like it is – perfectionism will leave you “cramped and insane your entire life.” There’s a difference between striving for perfection and doing the best you can do.