Here's the tough thing that I have struggled to realize in my 20 years on this rotating planet.
Perfection is not cool.
Hypothetically, it would be cool, right? But no matter how hard we try, we just can't seem to reach it.
As the new year approaches, I must remind myself of the uncoolness of this idea. I put a lot of pressure on the new year, along with many others who idealize the perfect body, job, friends, and life balance. The "new and improved" me.
During summer I went to an outdoor yoga class that focused on being present and combatting all of this pressure to be perfect. At the end of class, she read a quote that said:
"Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life, and it is the main obstacle between you and a shitty first draft. I think perfectionism is based on the obsessive belief that if you run carefully enough, hitting each stepping stone just right, you won't have to die. The truth is that you will die anyway and that a lot of people who aren't even looking at their feet are going to do a whole lot better than you, and have a whole lot more fun while they're doing it."
The name of that yoga studio is Just Be Yoga. It encompasses my goal for this year to just be, to exist and be myself in every capacity. To say what is on my mind. To be patient with myself and others. And to have hope throughout obstacles, changes, and the unknown.
In sum, here's a little poem I wrote to capture all these emotions:
Good is just good
Until great makes it better
One day you’re fine
But your neighbor says catch up
Working so hard
But you don’t see results
Should I have that cake?
I need to read one more book
If only if only
It were up to me
I’d reach all my goals
And sail the whole sea
There’s a big world out there
But just a little old me
But a little old me
Can still do big things
Time to make some magic
Time to take some naps
Time to fumble the ball
And eat all the snacks
Time to ask all the questions
And get a few answers
Time to take risks
Be humble
Maybe a few kisses
Time to just be
And not to be perfect
Just be and just be
Because me is still worth it.
Wishing a happy and healthy new year to all.
x fight on
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