Note to Self: The Blessing of Imperfection
This post started as thoughts mostly related to motherhood, but I think it applies to us all – mothers/fathers, wives/husbands, employees/employers, etc . . . I found this post of Nicola’s on A Step Toward Balance last month, signed up to join, and then forgot about it (you can laugh now – the irony is not lost on me!) Here, belatedly, is a first step – remembering the blessings of imperfection.
Mostly, here is a note to my future self – may you find some grain of truth here, too.
(myself and Ella, 2007 – photo by Ben)
Note to self:
Imperfection is a blessing. After weeks of feeling a sort of mounting panic – too many jobs to do, never enough time to do them, which important work must be left undone?, this gentle reminder from Ben – I am the one pushing myself. No one else.
I have had this thought before, but I seem to need to constantly remind myself, that imperfection is a blessing. It’s said that the Shakers, who were incredible craftspeople, purposefully flawed each item they made, because only God is perfect. It is so easy to feel that we must do everything, and if not perfectly, at least really really well. But: if we were perfect, what would be left to learn? But: if I was perfect, what would be left for my child to create for herself, and her children? Along with my “perfection,” I would be giving her the need to live up to my perfection, and a life of unattainable goals.
So. A reminder of the blessing of imperfections.
My house – not perfectly clean, and it never will be. Welcoming, hopefully.
Our farm – far from perfect, ever-evolving, sometimes blissful, sometimes out of control.
Our businesses – still young, still bumpy, still chaotic at times. Run with heart.
My wardrobe – not chic, not perfectly pressed. In various states of toddler, farm, and bakery wear and tear. Well lived in.
My self – learning, striving for kindness (often failing), trying for gratitude (often forgetting). Hoping to do good in the world, but not at the expense of my family’s sanity. Here. Alive. Imperfectly blessed.
(winter 2010)
And yet.
Perfectly human.
Perfectly honest.
Perfectly existing the way you were meant to exist, here and now.
Thank you for this wise reflection on imperfection, which I will surely have to have tattooed on my arm for ready reference.
And I couldn’t help but think these things: how much I envy you your non-spotless house (because I’ve been cleaning like a maniac for months for house showings that never result in offers to buy, which feels like a huge waste of life energy). How *very* welcoming your house is. How much I admire your determination to jump in and do things, whether or not it’s hard or messy or frightening. How your wardrobe has always struck me as unpretentious, personalized, comfortable, and with an eye for color and texture. And how much, and how consistently, I have observed your profound kindness, gratitude, and positive action.
You are just a big love.
Talk about a love! What an ego boost – you are too kind, as always. Love to you, as well.
And we find ourselves perfectly in the right moment at the right time for so many reasons, many not known in the fore front of our consciousness, but here we are…and it’s all good! Our Monday post at http://www.threadinglight.com goes along the same lines applied to parenting. I think the core to anything in life, is if one can be a true and grateful being and love yourself for all that you are doing, not much else matters. I think showing gratitude for what we do have is a very powerful stepping stone. Like you said, if we were perfect, then we would be enlightened, and we wouldn’t need to be here. What a beautiful post.
Well this post is perfectly perfect! And for those other imperfect beings out there, your efforts stand as a beacon. You are living by your ideals, standing for something incredibly important. You have taken the steps on this path that many others (myself included) are still only contemplating.
Maybe not perfect, but extraordinary none the less.
I stumbled across this blog when looking for grain CSA info but am absolutely touched by this post. As a first-time mama of a 15 month old I struggle with these exact same things. In fact I think I might just have to print those mantras out and pin them to the wall to remind myself “I am not perfect, but I am enough”! I can’t wait to read more about your adventures and wish you were closer so I could buy a grain share.
[...] yesterday’s reminder to remember imperfection’s blessings, today was a gift. Ella was with a babysitter for a few hours this morning, and I got a lot of [...]
Mel, Wish we could provide you a share, too! All the best to you and your sweet little one.
Emmalina, You are too kind! Thank you so much for your generous words.
Lisa, Thank you, and thank you for sharing the threading light post! Gratitude is a key in my life, too, I totally agree. Thank you.