EMBRACING IMPERFECTION

LETTING GO OF THE NEED TO BE PERFECT

Perfection is a myth we’ve all been sold—wrapped in curated images, high expectations, and the nagging voice that says, “If I could just get it right, then I’d finally feel good enough.”  Whether it’s in our work, relationships, parenting, bodies, or creativity, the pressure to be perfect is heavy, and honestly, exhausting.  

But what if we chose to loosen our grip?

Imperfection isn’t failure—it’s reality.

We all mess up.  We all fall short.  And we al have weird quirks, unfinished projects, and awkward conversations we replay in the shower.  That’s not brokenness—that’s being human.  Life is meant to be messy.  And the pursuit of perfection?  It often steals our joy, our confidence, and our presence in the moment.  

A moment in the woods reminded me of this.

I was hiking in the foothills recently, walking slowly alongside a trail with just a few wildflowers starting to bloom.  Since they were only beginning to bloom, they were awkward and uneven.  Some were wilting already. And still, the hill was beautiful.  There was no symmetry, no flawless plan.  But the imperfection made it real. Alive.  Somehow even more beautiful.  Whenever I forget it, nature reminds me that there are seasons for everything.  Even the messy parts belong and are beautiful because of the imperfection, not despite it. Nature doesn’t worry about symmetry or timing.  It just does what it does.  And that is more than enough.

When we chase perfection, we miss the beauty of “good enough.”

We stop taking risks.  We avoid starting things we can’t guarantee will be amazing.  We hold back our voices, our art, our love—because we’re afraid it won’t be perfect. 

But the things that connect us the most—the moments that move us, the people we love—are full of imperfection.  They’re real.  Honest. Sometimes clumsy.  And that’s where the magic lives. Because perfection isn’t connection.  It is performance. 

So what does it look like to embrace Imperfection?

*It’s showing up even when you don’t have it all together.

*It’s hitting “send” on that email or blog post even if it is not flawless.

*It’s letting your house be messy sometimes so you can rest or play instead.

*It’s laughing at your mistakes and learning from them without shame.

*It’s choosing progress over perfection.  Again, and again.

When we give ourselves permission to be imperfect, we also give it to others.  We create space for connection instead of comparison.  Compassion instead of criticism.  Grace instead of guilt.

You don’t have to be perfect to be worthy.  You just have to be you.

So, let’s exhale the pressure.  Let’s stop waiting to be “enough” and remember; we already are.  Flaws, scars, awkward laughs and all—we’re beautifully, messily human.  And that is enough.  

Call to Action: 

Today, try this simple practice:

*Write down one area where you’ve been holding yourself to impossible standards.

*Ask yourself: What would it feel like to release just a little bit of that pressure?

*Then take one imperfect step forward.  Send the text.  Wear the outfit.  Speak the truth.

Let it be real—not perfect.

And if you need a reminder, take a walk in nature.  Nothing is perfect there—and it’s all still wonderfully beautiful.  

Further reading if you want to dig deeper:

• Brené Brown – The Gifts of Imperfection

• Kristin Neff – Self-Compassion

* Elizabeth Gilbert – Big Magic

• Curran & Hill (2019) – Perfectionism is Increasing Over Time (Psychological Bulletin)