Image via: Sonja Langford Type by: Megan Gilger
In my 27 years I have spent more often than not wishing I could be something I was not. I craved a different type of body, “success” in my business that I felt had not been achieved, a home or space that felt out of reach, or a relationship that I felt was nothing like what I had or could have. It has taken significant time and maturing to realize that perfect isn’t so perfect after all. I know it is easy to say those words, and I have said them many times to myself, but I felt lately that I am more happy than ever with the imperfect. In fact, this weekend I tweeted “The moment you accept that imperfect is more beautiful and full of joy, than perfect is a good moment.” I was feeling extremely grateful and joyful for exactly how life was this weekend after returning home from Nashville. Our house was a mess…a complete mess, but nothing felt better than home. I felt this deep ache for the feeling of staying put, and I realized I didn’t want perfect with the perfectly curated corner or the bed made just as my grand mother taught me during the summers I spent with her. Instead I wanted the couch cuddles from the dogs. I wanted a business that was in a deep stage of growth and kind of feeling like an awkward teenager. I realized I wanted a porch that was covered in spilled birdseed because the squirrels had a hay day, and I wanted a table with leftovers from a late evening with neighbors who make us laugh and realize how beautiful life is.
Too often I get caught up in waiting for perfection in every inch of my life. I think it is the designer in me, but what I am growing to learn is that imperfect is more beautiful. Imperfections are what define us as different from others. More importantly imperfections allow for joy, acceptance, and room to live. Honestly I love that life is about to turn upside down. Sure I am stressed with what is coming in the next few weeks, but what I know is that there is true beauty and opportunity for life in all of the commotion of moving, going North for the summer, and traveling for long hours.
Over the years I have been more gracious with myself in my design process with imperfections. In fact I have found some serious joy and a voice within the curve that doesn’t align perfectly. I love how it offers somewhat of a look behind the curtain or gives the idea that a real person had their hands on it. I value that in my own work. The day I accepted those things in my hand drawn work and embraced it, I felt such a release and ownership of what was real and within who I was. I think the more we embrace the things that truly make us who we are and seem “imperfect” to the rest of the world, the more true joy and fulfillment we find in life and within ourselves.
I hope you each had a wonderful weekend full of relaxation, friends, family, and celebration. This week is going to be a wild one, but let’s make it rock!
