Why be awesome, when you can be flawesome?
“There’s no need to be perfect to inspire others. Let people get inspired by how you deal with your imperfections.”
Unknown
When we’re younger we strive to become this perfect version of ourselves, seeing our flaws as something we need to work on. It’s taken me the best part of fifty years to accept who I am and embrace my imperfections. Because being flawesome is not just making peace with your flaws; it’s knowing that without them, you would not be you.
The society will live in has painted such a distorted picture of perfection that it’s hard for us to attain, leaving us feeling inadequate and wanting more. We all want this perfect life; with the perfect body; the perfect job and the perfect relationship, but we forget perfection is nothing, but a state of mind. One person’s idea of perfection is another’s worst nightmare. We’re so busy thinking the person to our right is better looking or more accomplished than us, we forget that they’re going through the same set of insecurities.
When we’re single, we often look at other couples and want what they have. Thinking their relationship is perfect, and it might be, but we’re not living in their relationship. We’re watching from the side-lines thinking, how did they get so lucky to find someone who loves them unconditionally? But unless we’re in that relationship we’ll never get to see their truth, their day-to-day drama’s. Their relationship may not be perfect, but they’ve simply accepted the flaws and decided that as relationships go, it’s pretty damn good.
Don’t get me started about our addiction to social media and the disgustingly distorted view of perfection it creates on a daily basis, affecting not only adults but the adults of tomorrow. We see everyone living their best lives; with perfectly chiselled bodies and perfect faces to match – we’d be hard pushed to create that life for ourselves. But if we saw the unfiltered versions of their lives, we’d realise our lives are pretty perfect, the only difference is we don’t pretend it’s something it’s not.
If someone had asked me in my twenties, would I be single and childless at the age of forty-nine, I honestly would have laughed in their face – there was no chance that would happen to me. By now I would have been married to the most amazing man, with 2 strong grown-up children, a great house and at the top of my game. The reality, I feel like I’m eternally single and indefinitely childless. Yes, I have a roof over my head, and I’ve achieved a hell of a lot in my career. Am I good at what I do? without a shadow of doubt but does that mean things always go my way? most definitely not.
But instead of sitting here wondering why the person next to me has such a perfect life, I accept my life may not perfect, but i am working towards bettering it. I am not perfect but surrendering to my flaws, means owning them, understanding them and making them my new perfect.
For all of you out there struggling with the perfection demons, take a good look at the beauty in your life and accept how lucky you are to have that. We’re our own worst enemies, struggling to see ourselves in the best light. But by following a few simple steps we can get better:
ACCEPT YOUR FLAWS AND USE THEM TO BETTER YOURSELF.
Self-acceptance is the first step to self-improvement. No matter how many times someone tells you how amazing you are until you start believing it, nothing will change. Be the change you want to see.
WORK WITH WHAT YOU HAVE.
Your flaws are what makes you, you. But you are so busy picking fault with yourself you can’t see it. Yes, your friend may have great legs, but she’s probably looking at you thinking she wishes she had your butt. We’re never satisfied with our job lot and as women we always think we’re bigger than we are, then we look back at old pictures and think ‘God I wish I was as fat now as I thought was back then’ 😀.
APPRECIATE YOUR INDIVIDUALITY.
So, you’re super cautious? But wish you could be a little more spontaneous, why is this a problem? You see the words super cautious; I see a person who considers everything before they take a leap of faith. It’s really about perspective.
CREATE PERSPECTIVE.
There are people in the world that are in constant turmoil; starving; without a roof over their head and no one to turn to. You on the other hand have a lovely house (yes it may not be as big as you’d like, but it saves you from sleeping on the streets); Have the ability to eat 3 meals a day (maybe even a snack or two with the odd tipple); and more importantly a network of people that if the going gets tough they’ll always be there to help. You’ll never find yourself alone.
BE GRATEFUL.
Two simple words, with great truth. Have you ever noticed the only time we seem to give thanks is when we’re at a low point in life and our wish has been fulfilled? I’m guilty of it myself. Those that are thankful every day for the small things will always be more accepting of what they have in life, because their reality is their current state of perfection.
Am I flawed? Yes, I am. Am I perfect? No, I am not. But not only am I accepting of my flaws (of which I might add there are many) but I also celebrate them. I’ve learnt to laugh at my idiosyncrasies for I am only human. I am flawesome, and flawesome is for sure the new awesome.
The lions mentality
Focus on intention.
They overcome negativity&weakness.
Focus on achieving.
Have clear goals.
Keep learning.
Beautiful article👏👏