#Happy2024 Embrace Imperfection, Welcome Growth

Say it loud and proud, "I am imperfect." In a world full of beautifully flawed creatures, living imperfect lives in an imperfect world, imperfection is our common ground. From the systems we create to the way we reproduce, imperfection is the inherent nature of our existence. Only God's creation stands the test of ages, and even then, mutations and exceptions occur.

The acceptance of imperfection is a crucial step towards self-discovery and growth. As someone who once identified as a flawed perfectionist, I understand the stress and unnecessary burden that comes with the pursuit of perfection. It's time to break free from societal standards and embrace the beauty of imperfection.

Breaking Free from Unnecessary Stress:

Refusing to accept imperfection is a rigid existence that denies us grace and mercy. No matter how hard we try, societal standards of perfection are unattainable. Our lives are lived imperfectly, marked by flaws, issues, and fears. It's time to break free from the unnecessary stress and societal norms that perpetuate the illusion of perfection.

Practical Manifestations of Imperfection:

On a practical level, imperfection manifests in our minds, bodies, and souls, often undesirable by societal standards. Our lives are diverse and unique, reflecting different body types, mental and emotional states, economic statuses, and relationships. God created us as perfect beings with the freedom to choose, yet we often fall short of unlocking our full potential.

Embracing imperfection earlier could have spared years of self-hate and depressive haze. Recognizing imperfection is a pathway to handling life's ups and downs with a softer response. It's time to shed the ignorance that perpetuates self-flagellation, realizing that ignorance always comes at a price—lost time and energy.

Your PSA to Chill Out:

Consider this your Public Service Announcement to chill out! Relax! As long as you're breathing and living, there's room for improvement. Life's journey is not about achieving perfection but a continuous process of improvement.

Understanding the Journey of Improvement:

Bishop T.D. Jakes said it this way, “Time is a precious commodity, and it must be used carefully and judiciously. Your time is worth everything. Time is your greatest weapon.”

Gordon Gekko (the iconic Michael Douglas) in the movie, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, also said it this way, “If there's one thing I learned in prison, it's that money is not the prime commodity in our lives... time is.”

Break down the phrase "Journey of Improvement" for clarity. Life is a continuous journey—an act of traveling from one place to another. We are all on a journey and every second counts. Time is a precious commodity and as Bishop T.D. Jakes and Gordon Gekko emphasize it must be used carefully and judiciously.

Embrace the reality that imperfection is part of life's journey. Life moves forward, and even in moments of feeling stuck, time continues its relentless march. Change is the only constant in life.

The Essence of Improvement:
Improvement is not about reaching perfection but making something better. Benjamin Franklin's words resonate: "The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement. You cannot hope to build a better world without improving the individuals."

Our improvement journeys contribute to a better society. Let's focus on becoming engaged in a progression of better, understanding that the journey is not about creating a perfect self, perfect relationships, or a perfect world. It's about evolving, letting go of the pursuit of perfection, and embracing a world of ever-evolving growth.

I hope this is a welcoming reminder to take it easy and lighten up as you pursue your new beginnings and revitalizations. Chill out, Sis! God got you! You got this. You show up ready and what is meant to be will come. 

Let me know if this is helpful. Connect with me. And, keep going! FORWARD ONLY!

Nikki Cates

Moms & Grams | Wife | Believer | Life Transformation Coach & Strategist | Writer | Army Veteran | Change Agent

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#LifeDetox: Creating a Life That Aligns with Who You Are