Patty Mayeux Blog

The definition of the imperfect tense is unfinished…an ongoing action that has not been completed. We are called to perfection, knowing it won’t be achieved. The ongoing progress toward that end is the reward, the journey is the goal, not the destination. Yet our imperfections cause tension; a drive or a need to make a change or improve. I say embrace your imperfections, cherish your difference from the worldly (and wrong) image of what it means to be perfect. Who wants to live in a world of only Barbies and Kens? I could riff for a while here on the beauty of physical diversity, but let’s move on to abilities and talents. I love to play piano. Have I ever played a piece perfectly? Never! I would have given up long ago had I not embraced the energy of hesitation and wrong notes, relaxing into the joy of living (and imperfect) music. Where is the passion in a robotic performance? Give yourself permission to goof up. Laugh when you do. Love others when they do. Recognize those moments as endearing, even character-building. Be thankful for the messy, funny, even embarrassing moments of the imperfect tense. Love yourself not in spite of, but because of, your imperfections.