I’m not PERFECT.

The pursuit of perfection weighs heavily on many individuals and paradoxically leads them to unhappiness. From a young age, society teaches us to conform to specific appearances, behaviors, and accomplishments to attain what is deemed “perfect.” This is where I come in, to challenge society (politely) and its expectations. Our culture increasingly emphasizes achievement and goal orientation, often at the expense of our capacity for wonder and awe. Imagine looking at a rainbow and declaring that one of the colors isn't perfect. Not only is that absurd, but it would also spoil the magnificent moment. Yet, that's precisely what we do when we judge ourselves.

As someone with a Type (A) personality, I always aimed for "perfection" in relationships, friendships, and my career, striving to excel in everything. However, a year into my yoga practice, my perspective shifted. Yoga taught me that it's okay to have flaws and to be true to yourself, regardless of others' opinions. It helped me understand that nothing is perfect. This transition was challenging for me, but perhaps even harder for those around me. Many people close to me see me as a cheerful, easygoing person. So, when I began embracing my imperfections, they were surprised, wondering what was wrong with Amanda. I used to be very careful with my words, avoiding conflict and hiding my struggles, as asking for help felt like admitting imperfection. I still grapple with this, but I accept it as part of my journey, with no set timeline. I can be difficult when stressed or needing help, but that's my imperfection, and those around me must accept it. It doesn't make me a bad person; it's just one of my flaws, and that's okay. Recognizing these moments is what matters and helps you stay present. If people around you can't accept your imperfections, that's fine too; it just means they're not meant to be part of your journey. Our flaws, whether good or bad, make us unique and human. My perfectionism was internal, but I know many who strive for external perfection, influenced by "perfect" models in magazines and on social media, altering themselves physically to keep up. This saddens me, and I wish I could tell them they're beautiful as they are. The photo I posted below is the imperfect ME—no makeup, just woke up, haven't washed my hair in two days, not sure if I'm wearing deodorant. ;) I shared it to show that while there are things about ourselves we may dislike, we should embrace and love each one. Over time, you'll find your heart opening up, and those things won't bother you anymore. Recently, I used a face app popular on Instagram to alter my appearance and was shocked to look like a Disney character. I posted it to urge people to stop using filters and embrace their true appearance. We should never compare ourselves to others or social media. Being real means being imperfect, and I find joy in imperfection, as it defines who you truly are. We need to cherish our imperfections; they deserve love too! When I started this blog, I was frustrated with my poor grammar. True to my Type (A) nature, I had someone proofread my first blog to ensure it was perfect, fearing judgment. I didn't have my second blog corrected, and received feedback about the poor writing and grammar. Initially upset, I took a breath (thanks to yoga) and thought, "screw you guys!" (LOL). From then on, I embraced my imperfect writing, with run-on sentences, misplaced commas, and spelling errors. I stopped striving for perfection, accepting that I'm not perfect. Now, I write freely, focusing on helping others, which is all that truly matters.

Over the years, I've realized that the closest thing to perfection lies in being fully present. Many people pursue perfection because they feel inadequate—I understand this because I've been there too. But you are enough, I am enough, we are enough, and if we can connect this realization with the present moment, we'll see that the idea of perfection is just a construct of our minds. Feeding the ego only makes things more toxic for us, as the perfect thoughts we give it are nonsensical. The ego uses this information to generate false emotions and create unhappiness. Let's liberate ourselves, embrace our imperfections, and accept how others perceive us. Let's illuminate others' imperfections to help them find their way. By staying present, we continue on the path of enlightenment in our journey. When we leave these issues behind, we can choose the right path to improve ourselves for the future.

P.S. Your future will not be perfect!

MUCH LOVE

XOXO

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