#NotPerfect
When I think about “perfection”, these two men come to mind. Both are at the top of their craft. Rich. Good looking. Tom Brady has 5.8 million Instagram followers. Elon Musk 24.6 million Twitter followers. Me? Eh…. let’s just say I’m pretty excited anytime my phone lights up alerting me of a new text message, new e-mail, or new Bumble BFF match.
Having goals is critical. Looking up to someone as a role model can be inspiring. But I am finally realizing that constantly trying to have more, be more, and achieve more is a tiring, fruitless game. One you’ll never win. Because no one, and no one’s life, is perfect.
Tom Brady wasn’t heavily recruited out of high school. He shared starting duties at Michigan. He was drafted in the sixth round.
Elon Musk was beat up and bullied. His family life was abusive. He left home at 17. Tesla almost went bankrupt multiple times, and because of a Tweet, he was forced to step down as Chairman of his own company.
You probably already know these things, and maybe you hate the Patriots and electric cars so you don’t care. But I imagine there are people out there that you envision to have it made. Living the life. You know, the hot movie star you think would be perfect for you. The super model who fits in size 0 jeans yet has perfect, all-natural breasts. Whoever comes to mind, just remember. They’re not perfect, even if their social media begs to differ. In fact, it’s likely that the movie star and the super model have their very own short list of “perfect people.”
In the past, I’ve let my mind convince me that these fantasy worlds exist. So much so that I’d look in the mirror and feel pure disgust. I’d even look at my partners and think they’re not good enough either.
In 2019, I want to take back control. I want to keep reminding myself that without suffering there is no life (…I swear I mean this in the most positive way possible!). I don’t want to look back at my mistakes, or forward towards the next shiny thing. I want to focus on the present. I want to stop comparing myself to others — many of whom I don’t even know outside of what the media writes and the filtered, best-out-of-10 picture they decide to post on Instagram.
It’s not that I want to be content or settle. It’s that I want to embrace that life is not perfect. Because to be honest, thinking back on what’s motivated me, it’s the obstacles I’ve navigated and the challenges I’ve overcome. Not the fireworks or the birthday cakes.
This is me. And I am #NotPerfect.
Follow Thoughts and Ideas on Facebook: facebook.com/thoughtsandideas1
