You’re perfect, just as you are

I’m noticing, again, how hard on ourselves we can all be. And how hard we can be on others. I’m noticing – all around me and in me – this need for things to be better. For us to be better. For others to be better. The compulsion to do more. To achieve more. To look better. To eat better. To exercise better. To be more understanding and patient, or more quick to decision and forceful. To finally write the book or change the job or be a better friend, spouse, parent, person…

The list is endless, and I want to share something radical with all of you who feel this compulsion (myself included at times) – you are perfect just as you are. Even if some of those are worthy goals, the truth can also be that right now is fine. That you are fine.

A large part of my recovering perfectionist path has been learning to balance the dichotomy of “there is no such thing as perfection” and “the present (and you within the present) is perfect just as it is.” As I get better at not striving for perfectionism (which I really am doing, even if some people around me would question that), I also allow myself the freedom to know that everything is perfect just as it is. Even the things that suck. Even the parts of me that I can (perhaps mistakenly) still think suck. Or still think you think suck. ☺

Allowing that I’m perfect, just as I am brings such ease and peace. Allowing that you’re perfect just as you are might be a bit tougher, especially if I really want you to do – or be – something different, but it still brings me ease and peace. The more I stop pushing and striving and trying…the more at ease I can be.

I encourage you all to stop, take a deep breath, put your hand on your heart, and remind yourself that you’re perfect just as you are.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, and please share this post with others if it resonates with you!