I have always referred to myself as a “perfectionist”.

For a while, I thought of it as a good thing… I mean who doesn’t want to be perfect? Do everything perfectly? Make no mistakes? Never be judged or criticized by others?

But as we get older and life comes at us fast, we realize that there is no such thing as “perfect”, in retrospect, there’s never been.

Yesterday I listened to a video by of my favorite authors, Mel Robbins, where she talks about the problem with being perfect.

 “Perfectionism is self insulation from criticism.”

 Wow, it made total sense. It was an instant light bulb moment. 

Perfectionism is a self-defense mechanism. 

In the past year and a half I have put self development the center of my time. I’ve read countless books, searched the internet, watched videos from the most successful, “awake” individuals to better myself in every aspect of my life. This is what has opened the door for me to really take a good look at myself for the first time in my life. Growth is very uncomfortable but striving for perfection is also extremely exhausting. Perfectionism is a way of self-sabotage because essentially it’s you getting in the way of growth.

It was after becoming a mother that I realized my own problem with perfect. Nothing in the world can prepare you for the personal growth you have to undergo to raise another human being. Being a mother is one of the things I identify as and one of the things at the center of who I am today. I’ve quickly come to realize that there is NOTHING even close to perfection when it comes to parenting. You will make mistakes, you will disappoint, you will have moments when you lose your shit- it’s inevitable. “Disappointing others is unavoidable, it will happen.” She goes on to explain that even though in life you will disappoint those you love this should never be the reason to not do something aligned with you- your core values.

Now the real challenge begins, letting the light in. After you come to peace that nothing is or will ever be perfect, you can begin to grow from that. You can slowly begin to release the tight grip off of the steering wheel of life and let the Universe lead the way. This is where the faith and belief that you are being guided at every instance, even at your lowest moments. No matter the circumstance, you’re on the right path to exactly where you need to be. The growth from the imperfect moments are a blessing in disguise, I guess that’s where “take the good with the bad” comes from. 

So instead of striving for perfection, let’s strive for a collection of imperfect moments that will lead us to more growth and more authenticity- how beautiful is that?