One of my favorite bloggers is inviting us to share something imperfect.  Her motto is “it doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.” 

I think this approach to life is transformative.  To really let go of the need to make everything “just so” is so freeing.  It’s something I’ve been working on for a while.  I realized years ago that there really is no such thing as perfect.  And I hesitate to use the p word ever, in conversation, or blogging, or even in my personal journal. 

That being said, it’s quite difficult to really accept this fact.  What I think drives me to unintentionally seek out that unattainable perfection, is the way others see me.  Or, more accurately, the way I think others see me. And I realize how ridiculous this is, and how damaging this thinking is. 

I think the Nester meant for this to be more about a DIY project that didn’t come out as planned, and here I am getting all deep.  The fact is, I have been stewing over this since she first announced this link party last week.  There are SO many things in my life and house that are imperfect, in the literal sense of the word.  For instance, as I type, no room in our house is neat or tidy (or photo worthy).  Random baby items and other junk are strewn about on all surfaces.  Projects sit unstarted, or half-done.  The bathrooms need to be cleaned, there’s cat and dog hair everywhere, and my to-do list is a mile long.  To name just a few.

The Nester says, “sometimes it’s those setbacks and imperfections and limitations that make something all the more spectacular.”  One of my favorite quotes of all time speaks to just this thing:

Those “cracks”  or imperfections in our home right now are allowing me some time to relax and rewind at the end of the day.  I could be cleaning and tidying and doing once the Bean goes to bed, but after our road trip, I just need a few nights to chill.   The cracks also indicate a family blessed with an active baby, who are too busy loving life to clean the house.

 So, I am open to not only accepting the imperfect, but celebrating it.  Of course there is a time for accuracy and precision in this world, but I’m no brain surgeon, and don’t typically find myself in situations where that precision is called for.  It occurs to me that this ties in with one of my resolutions for the year: to enjoy what I have rather than wanting more, or better, or nicer, or bigger.   What I have in this life is beautiful, and I am truly grateful for it all. 

If this speaks to any of you guys, check out the Nester’s blog.  It really is inspiring.