The value of an antique many times lies in both its perfection as well as its imperfection. The style of a painting identifies the artist both in terms of what is included and what may be missing. Sometimes we view imperfection as having value. Other times we describe imperfection as being a weakness.
In many of my posts, I have talked about imperfection in different ways as it relates to a mirror or our flaws. Our egos work hard to hide our imperfection with the words we choose or the clothes we wear. Our smiles many times are masks, much like those worn at Halloween, that try to convey to someone something that is different than what we feel or who we are.
Love. One of the most misunderstood words in our language. At its core, is the acceptance of imperfection in each of us. There is a consistency in a genuine love that insists that our imperfections are not important. It insists that there is much more of us that is important. It humbly asks you to share who you “really” are without fear or judgment.
Easy to say. Hard to do. Why is that? Do we fear being judged or do we fear finding out that we are not as perfect as those on TV or in a movie? Why is it that (many times) we can never open up and share with others authentically who we are (imperfections and all)?
It’s fascinating to think that we all are in some ways scared of each other. (Yet we are more the same than you think!) The power of this fear is great for I find many times that people do hide. They don’t easily share what they are “really” thinking. or how they “really” feel. I find it happens most in conversations. Sometimes even in friendships.
To be more authentic in your life
you need to embrace and accept imperfection.
Both yours and mine.
[While I am not on Facebook I hear of many people putting pictures on it or saying things that they would never say in person. This is especially true of teenagers. Why is that? They don’t seem to hide as often when they are removed from direct conversation.]We need to be more open in our lives with others as to who we are, where we stand, what we value. Again, like the piano and its notes (an earlier post), it’s ok to be different. Try to allow your understanding, respect and acceptance of imperfection to embrace another person in a positive way.
There is much more to us than our imperfections. That “much more” of us is so good. Share it with others openly and see how more intimate and engaging your life can become when you do.