Philosophically Aligned with Imprefection
by Elaine Corrington
There are certain things in life that have to be perfect: foods, clothing, gardens, exercise routine, dancing, clean windows and floors, art projects, make-up, hairdo, shoes, underwear drawer, closet organization, friendships, work projects, weird philosophies (a personal one).
Over the last couple of months, the pandemic has caused us to accept the reality of an imperfect present- and possibly an imperfect future. With all the changes in family dynamics, work realities, social interactions, access to needs and wants from stores, our view of our health, communities with very limited access areas, and… OH YES…loss of half of the face of every human being who wants to do what is necessary to keep you well and alive, we no longer have all the tools we need to achieve perfection as we once perceived it.
We have to define what is acceptable and can bring us joy– and we have the opportunity to think about the downside of perfection. We also need to look at how we define perfection and imperfection in those around us.
But what is the downside of perfection?
Is it linked to our personal goals and joy, or to another person or other people who observe our actions and judge our personal worth? Who put these ideas in our heads? Can other thoughts and actions– and access to tools and ideas we would have rejected as being beneath us– result in a life we value, share, and possibly laugh at with an intensity we have not experienced for years? Perfection is nice when we see it– if we like it.
There will be many who do not share that view of the “new you,” and who will pity the joyous new you while cursing themselves and blaming others when the same life shortages you chose to adapt to are ruining their lives.
Different tasting foods (yum!?). Wild clothing combinations (and what are you saving your “good” clothes for when there are very few special occasions?). Unique and funny gardens with hidden “treasures” for kids to find (not a perfect garden that the eyes stop seeing as you pass it many times). Strange exercise routines (perfect movement is NOT your exercise style!). Dancing (yes weird moves CAN make everybody laugh and clap- especially with music you love. Clean windows and floors (uh, no-excuse zone?). Art projects (use the word “modern”) and all colors, tools, and styles are bragable for your wonderfully snotty new image of your art talent. Make-up (can’t see it anyway). Hairdo (as long as you can still see past the hair on your forehead). Shoes that are wild with what you are wearing (25 years old???). Organized underwear drawer (really?). Closet organization (how about tossing or giving away?). Friendships – stay connected in any way you can- laugh, aid, share. Work (redefine and create new ways to do or change your work based on the new needs). Weird philosophies are all yours- if they don’t hurt anyone and they bring you joy, embrace them.
Can it be that there are some pandemic gifts- gifts we did not want, but gifts that allow us to match our new reality with some positive and joyous choices? We can always go back to our old choices if and when it is possible, or we just might have found that at least some of the new choices have rewards that we value keeping in our lives.
I have had the title of this article cut out on metal- and the spelling was an intentional choice- not an editing mistake:
Philosophically Aligned with Imprefection
I also had another metal sign made which shows where my mind has come:
Perfection is Exclusive.
Imperfection is Inclusive.
Which is Better?