Faith, Flaws, and Growth: Finding Joy In Imperfection
September 2023
In a world that champions perfection in all its forms (straight As, perfectionism, “naturally” excelling at things), it’s easy to forget the beauty of imperfection. We all have moments when we wish we were more– more good aka better, more patient, or perhaps happy-go-lucky all the time. I know some of y’all so I feel comfy speaking on behalf of some of my readers (😂). However, it’s when we confront our shortcomings and willingly practice being bad at something that we truly learn about who we really are. This journey into self-discovery allows us to understand not just who we wish to be, but who we truly are, in this moment, at this slice of time. Let’s dive into the transformative power of embracing our imperfections through a lil diddy of a story, shall we?
My Struggle with Patience
There was a time in my life when I believed I started everything with an eager mindset to practice, learn, and grow. But there was a catch. I was often slow to engage in new activities or challenges because they appeared too difficult or too daunting.
Leaping into Aerial Yoga
The time was three weeks ago, actually. I finally took an aerial yoga class! Baby, this class was one for the books! It was so fun! And exciting! But… Umm… There were several thoughts of “She wants me to do what?!” and “Nah girl, I don’t think my body can do that… How’d you even do that?!” In my mind’s eye, I did about 90% of what the instructor demonstrated for us to do.
At one point she caught me and said “I can tell you didn’t even do it!” And you know what? She was absolutely correct!
It wasn’t until I got home and watched the time-lapse video that it hit me—much to my surprise, I was far more skeptical about doing new things than I had ever realized. Baby, I straight stared at these people while questioning my own ability to do something I hadn’t done before… Because I hadn’t done it before! I stood there, watching, unmoved.
My body may not have been moving, but my mind surely was! I was actively cheering and encouraging myself to do the thing. Just take one step to the right! Leap! Just tryyyyy!
It wasn’t until I saw myself not moving that I realized how skeptical I was. Traffic incidents, like my aerial yoga hesitation, brought out another side of me that I often struggled with: impatience.
I’ve always admired those individuals who could maintain their composure in the face of adversity, like the picture-perfect embodiment of serenity. I longed to be that person who could maintain a tranquil demeanor when faced with stressors, like being cut off in traffic. However, the reality was quite different.
Overcoming Road Rage: A Journey to Patience
Sometimes when I get cut off in traffic, a part of me that I don’t particularly like emerges. The impatient, short-tempered version of myself would rear its beautiful head but ugly temper, and I’d find myself muttering expletives under my breath or aloud of even throw up a ring finger– because the middle would be rude, of course! And who doesn’t love confusing another driver (also) experiencing road rage?! This kinda driving I know is irrational. In those moments, I wasn’t the picture of the calm and collected individual I wished to be.
It was frustrating because I felt like I was failing myself and my ideal self-image. I wanted to be the embodiment of patience and understanding, but my reactions were far from that. I would often beat myself up mentally for not living up to my own expectations.
Embracing Imperfection: A Path to Self-Discovery
One day, I had a profound realization. I wasn’t failing myself; I was learning about myself! It became apparent that we are not only the sum of our aspirations but more truthfully, we are (also) the sum and results of our reactions. It’s through these imperfect moments that we get a glimpse of who we truly are, beneath the veneer of our ideal self.
Rather than chastising myself for not being the epitome of patience, I started to embrace my imperfections. I acknowledged that there would be moments when I’d lose my temper, but that didn’t define me entirely. Instead, it offered me an opportunity to learn and grow.
Learning Opportunities
Accepting that it’s okay to be bad at something, whether it’s patience, a new skill, or maintaining a particular disposition, allows us opportunities to explore our own complexities. It invites us to recognize that we are multifaceted beings capable of change and growth.
Here are a few valuable lessons I learned through this journey of embracing my imperfections:
- Self-Compassion: Rather than being harsh on myself for not meeting my own expectations, I practice self-compassion and gentleness. I am- we are all!– works in progress, and it’s expected we stumble along the way.
- Authenticity: Embracing imperfections leads to greater authenticity. When we accept our flaws and quirks, we become more genuine and relatable to others.
- Learning Opportunities: Every “bad” moment is an opportunity for self-discovery and growth. It provides insights into areas where I can evolve from who I really am to who I want to become.
- Peace of Mind: By not letting my imperfections define me, I find inner peace and refocus on what truly matters in one and only life I have.
- Self-Forgiveness: Embracing imperfection means giving yourself the grace to let go of past mistakes. When you forgive yourself, you free up space to grow, heal, and move forward with love and compassion.
Leaping Into Growth Through Imperfection
In a world that unrealistically values perfection, it’s essential to remember that our imperfections are what make us unique and above all, human!!! Embracing our imperfections and willingly practicing being new or “bad” at something isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a testament to our strength and resilience. It’s through these moments of vulnerability that we truly discover who we are, not just who we wish to be. So, let’s be kind to ourselves, learn from our imperfections, and remember that we are all beautifully imperfect works in progress. Just like I eventually leaped in aerial yoga, we all have the power to step beyond hesitation, knowing imperfection and all the humanity of it is the path to growth and joy. It’s in embracing imperfection that we uncover the courage to grow, the strength to persevere, and the joy of simply being ourselves.
A Prayer for Strength and Growth Through Imperfection
God, Thank You for the gifts of imperfection that lead us closer to You! Teach us to embrace our flaws with grace, to grow through every stumble, and to leap boldly into the unknown, knowing You guide our every step. May we find strength in our vulnerability and joy in the journey. And so it is. Amen!
Your Turn to Reflect
What’s one area in your life where you’ve embraced imperfection and grown because of it? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
