I Am a Work in Progress, and That is Okay

Dave B.
3 min readMay 16, 2024

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Embrace these moments with curiosity rather than judgment.

Have you ever found yourself staring at the ceiling late at night, wondering if you’ll ever truly “get it together”? Trust me, you’re not alone in this. Life often feels like a giant jigsaw puzzle, and sometimes it seems like we’re perpetually hunting for that elusive piece to complete the picture. Here’s the truth though…we’re all works in progress, and that’s perfectly fine.

Imagine you’re a river flowing through varied landscapes. Some days, you’ll encounter rocky patches that slow you down, while on other days, you’ll flow smoothly over soft sands. Both terrains shape you, helping you carve out your unique path. Similarly, our life experiences, whether joyous or challenging, are shaping us into who we are meant to be.

Often, we set rigid expectations for ourselves, influenced by societal norms or personal pressures. We believe we need to have certain achievements by a specific age, or we must always appear strong and unflawed. But these expectations can become heavy burdens. It’s important to recognize that growth is not linear…it ebbs and flows just like the river. Every step, stumble and success is a part of our journey.

Take a moment to breathe deeply and reflect on your experiences. Each moment of struggle or confusion is not a sign of failure but a part of the natural process of growth. When you make a mistake, it’s not the end of the world. Instead, it’s an opportunity to learn and develop resilience. Embrace these moments with curiosity rather than judgment. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” rather than “Why did this happen to me?”

Mindfulness plays a crucial role in this journey. By staying present and aware, we can navigate life’s uncertainties with greater ease. It helps us to see things as they are, without the filters of fear or insecurity. This clarity allows us to respond to situations with wisdom and compassion, both for ourselves and others.

Another key aspect is self-compassion. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer a close friend. When you stumble, remind yourself that it’s okay. Speak to yourself with words of encouragement and patience. You are learning, evolving, and that’s a beautiful process.

It’s also helpful to remember that everyone is on their own journey. Comparing your progress to others can be misleading and disheartening. Focus on your path, your progress and your growth. Celebrate the small victories and acknowledge the lessons learned from setbacks. Every step you take is significant.

In embracing our status as works in progress, we find peace in the present moment. We learn to appreciate the journey rather than fixate solely on the destination. This perspective shift can bring profound contentment and joy into our lives.

As you continue to navigate the twists and turns of your unique path, remember that growth and change are the essence of life. Embrace them with an open heart and a curious mind. After all, being a work in progress means you are constantly evolving and becoming the best version of yourself.

Midnight Musings

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Staring at the ceiling,

the night’s silent whisper,

a puzzle unsolved.

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Pieces scatter,

shadows of dreams

fading, reforming.

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In the stillness,

each breath a step

on the winding path.

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Stumbles and strides,

rocky patches, soft sands,

all shaping the flow.

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Curiosity blooms

in the garden of uncertainty,

a tender heart awakens.

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Mistakes become teachers,

gentle reminders,

that we are ever-growing.

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In the quiet journey,

self-compassion lights the way,

embracing each moment.

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Here, in the present,

we find our peace,

a work in progress, complete.

© 2024 Dave B. All rights reserved.

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Dave B.
Dave B.

Written by Dave B.

Mindful writer sharing insights on Dharma and Zen poetry, exploring the essence of Buddhism. Join me for daily meditative reflections and spiritual growth.

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