The "Perfection" Cure

I recently read this article, "The Disease called 'Perfection'" by Dan Pearce of Single Dad Laughing.  It was posted in a discussion in my 365project forum where I am a member.  It is a must read.  I think there is something in this article that everyone can relate to.  Here is an excerpt where he talks about the cure for the disease, "Perfection":

The cure is so simple.

Be real.

Be bold about your weaknesses and you will change people's lives. Be honest about who you actually are, and others will begin to be their actual selves around you. Once you cure yourself of the disease, others will come to you, asking if they can just "talk". People are desperate to talk. Some of the most "perfect" people around you will tell you of some of the greatest struggles going on. Some of the most "perfect" people around you will break down in tears as they tell you how difficult life is for them. Turns out some of the most "perfect" people around us are human beings after all, and are dying to talk to another human being about it.

You'll love them for it. And you'll love yourself even more.

Let's not forget this quote: "I went out to find a friend and could not find one there. I went out to be a friend, and friends were everywhere." Somebody who is being a friend doesn't spread "Perfection". Somebody who is being a friend spreads "Real". Then, and only then, can we all grow together.

He goes on to list his imperfections.  I have a fear that people think that I think I am perfect, so here is me getting real with all of you:

I recently sent an e-mail written in frustration trying to "fix" a misunderstanding and ended up making it worse.  I fear the relationship is now irreparable and I regret that.  

I get frustrated with my daughter when I have to ask her five times to put her shoes on, to the point where I raise my voice and yell.

I feel inadequate as a stay-at-home Mom on the days I do not have the energy to cook dinner and decide to order out instead.  I always feel like I have to explain myself because, while I enjoy that my children love my food, I do not enjoy cooking.

I feel sad if I feel like someone does not like me.

I struggle with my faith and question things I am taught about God.

I feel like because I do not have a career, I am not "worth" as much as working Moms.

I once got so frustrated with my son that I threw his mechanical dinosaur in the garbage.  I felt so badly about doing it and he was so sad.

I walked four miles every day this summer because I was afraid I was getting fat.

I am not a perfect person.  I make mistakes.  Sometimes I make mistakes every day.  But I try to learn something from them.  There is nothing wrong with trying to be the best at what you do, the important thing is knowing when to stop. I am happy with myself, my body, who I am and what I believe.  I have bad days, bad moments, grumpy "times", but I am a happy person.  I know that in reading my blog it may seem like I am trying to be perfect, or trying to show you that my life is perfect.  But, here I am, being real.  We are not perfect, I am not perfect.  I do not try to be perfect, but I do have weaknesses.  I recognize them, not every day and not all the time, but eventually, and I try to make things better.  My imperfections are what make me "me", and while it is important to try to improve "me" I need to recognize when to just let "me" be.


See the photo at the top of this post?  That's the photo I took after my hubby went to bed to fill my inappropriate need to live up to the fabulousness of other 365 photographers.  But I didn't use it and I'm glad I chose the one of my hubby helping me with the yarn.  (See, I'm growing.)

Every day there are moments of frustration in raising my family.  My blog is a way for me to find the happiest moment(s) in the day because it helps me see the frustration as insignificant in the big picture.  Maybe I'll try posting a little more of the "imperfect".  We'll see.

What about you?  Do you suffer from the disease of "perfection"?   Tell the world or just tell yourself, but I urge you to read the article and celebrate your imperfections.