“There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. To me that is the essence of beauty.” ~ S. Maraboli
I tend to roll through my days so much better, and feel so much happier, when I concentrate my energy on being my perfectly imperfect self. Trusting in one’s natural flow, or way of being, doesn’t always come easy. You have to practice. Stay real. Accept your flaws. Your shortcomings. Embrace good enough! Mastering the art of seeing yourself as perfectly imperfect is at once extremely challenging and one of the most empowering ways of knowing and valuing yourself.
Savoring the idea that I’m “perfectly imperfect” has become one of my favorite organizing principles and ways of existing in the world. To view myself this way—as innately fine with what is naturally created within and about me—feels great! It is actually easier to strive toward my dreams and goals when committed to my perfectly imperfect state. And I encourage my coaching clients to embrace a similar stance of glorious self-acceptance. It is quite a freeing and empowering way to experience oneself.
Heck, if we are flawless in all of our flaws, we can settle into the comfort of just being ourselves. Imagine that. There is such magnificent energy and rich possibility in this. No need to always be striving to self-correct, change, alter, adjust, fix, or repair a broken self. Instead, you can confidently and easily move forward in life trusting that everything about yourself, and your choice of action, is in divine order. Let me say that again: divine order! Growth happens exponentially to the degree we believe in the okay-ness of ourselves. It’s quite an exhilarating experience to be able to be in each and every moment feeling plenty enough, despite one’s inevitable human blemishes.
The perfectly imperfect framework offers additional perks as well. Taking risks, for instance, is much less intimidating when you don’t have to worry about being without fault. One is much more likely to experiment, try new things, or step out in new ways when imperfect outcomes are considered downright perfect! There really is no place for self-doubt or worrisome rumination when imperfection is valued or a natural state of affairs. In fact, conditions are ripe for grand exploration of a multitude of things when one can do so blissfully free of any pressure to be immaculate all the time. There is no place for, or need of, any judgements or criticisms under the glow of perfectly imperfect humans. Mistakes made are simply part of the essence of one’s existence.
Consider, for example, the joy of singing. So many of us are innately inclined to belt out a tune or two, maybe even with an accompanying hip wiggle, when we are alone. Spontaneously, one is often drawn to this call of musical self-expression. Yet we get in public, and oh no, never! Singing in this format can easily become something believed strictly for the “experts.” Unless, of course, you have mastered the mindset of a perfectly imperfect you. Then, look out world! You’ll easily heed the call to burst forth in song. You’ll be in your element, feeling vibrantly alive and creatively self-expressed. And those within earshot will be blessed by the melodies, in or out of tune, that surround them.
Imperfections are where we find our connection with each other. We meet there. We are downright approachable there. As perfectly imperfect humans. Our flaws are how we leave our mark of unique personal expression on the world. When we witness in another a fault, a struggle, mishap, or blemish, we find ourselves. Isn’t it comforting? This mirror of the other can indeed evoke compassion. We more easily see and get each other. We can truly relate to one another. We feel so much less alone.
Even better yet, appreciation for ourselves and others grows as we expand our capacity to tolerate imperfections. Pursuit of perfection, on the other hand, can actually spoil attractiveness. Paralysis can set in as one strives for the unattainable. Relationships and connections flat-line, and can become boring amid the unrealistic striving for that which actually makes us less interesting and real.
So stay in the land of appreciation, my friends. Treasure and cherish your unique, exquisite faults. Just be naturally you. Know you are beautiful, talented and wise. Stand unapologetically strong and confident in all that makes you perfectly imperfect you!
This article was also published in Ann Arbor’s The Brick Magazine
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