Perfectly Imperfect : Reflections on Showing Up in Life

Lately, I've been reflecting on how much energy we spend trying to get things perfect. Trying to say the perfect thing. Make the perfect decision. Create the perfect post. Launch the perfect offering. Wait until we feel completely ready. Wait until we feeel more certain. More confident. Or until we have everything figured out.

And while there is wisdom in preparation, I've also noticed that perfection often becomes a very convincing way of keeping ourselves safe. Because if we never take the risk, we never have to experience failure. If we never put ourselves out there, we don't have to experience rejection. If we never share the messy, unfinished parts of ourselves, we dont' have to risk being misunderstood. Or fully seen.

And yet, it's in these spaces that we are more authentic. More relateable. People actually understand us more. I've noticed that when I stop trying to control every outcome, and allow things to unfold, there is more space for magic to occur. And let's face it, it's a lot less exhausting.

When I let conversations evolve from my heart space; when I trust the inspiration as it sparks; when I create before I feel completely ready; when I say yest to the opportunities that feel like a YES, even if they don't come with guaranteed outcomes...

When I allow myself to show up and allow life to be perfectly imperfect, I'm able to feel more alive. More human. More connected. More joyful. I have access to more creativity. Expression. Possibility.

And interestingly, it offers others the space to do the same. My willingness to show up imperfectly creates a ripple effect. Have you ever noticed how when someone shows up and shares honestly, you feel safer to do the same? When someone admits they don't have it all figured out, you can exhale? When someone takes the risk to be seen, it gives you permission to do the same?

Authenticity is contagious. So is courage. And perhaps we don't always realize how many people are quietly waiting for permission. Permission to be real. Especially in this world that is becoming increasingly filled with curated content, maybe what's needed more is people willing to show up with open hearts. Willing to take the leap and try. To stumble. To learn. To trust that they don't have to earn their belonging by getting it all right.

I recently apologized to a friend for my abruptness during a moment where I felt stressed (yes, one of my imperfections is a part that is quite curt and can be cutting at times), and she said "I love you, prickles and all". And instantly, I was able to breathe and know that although I aim to show up open hearted and loving, I too, am human, and allowed to have parts that aren't always pleasant to be around.

Perhaps we were never meant to have it all figured out. To be perfect in all ways for all people at all times...just typing that out feels exhausting. What if what we actually need is permission and space to participate in life, and be perfectly imperfect?

Where in your life are you waiting for perfection to show up? I would love to invite you to share or show up in your gloriously imperfect way today.

Much love,

Laura