Perfectly Imperfect

It's quite empowering when we realize and believe, even if for just a few moments here and there, that we can choose to lift our spirits and mood even if we've been feeling pretty funky or down.

I have become fed up with complaining and stressing about what isn't right - mostly incidents where things don't go as perfectly as I would have hoped.

As I reflect back on my day, I realize that I practiced the art of kindness as well as acceptance. I hadn't "planned" on having a day like this, but I'm sure glad it happened.

I had a hard time getting out of bed this morning. I've been a bit down lately and have been dealing with medical issues.  I could have easily beat myself up for sleeping in - telling myself I am lazy or some other negative self-talk. Instead, I looked to the foot of my bed and was delighted to find my kitten there, hanging out with me completely non-judgmentally.

"Oh well," I said to him, "Guess it's time to get on up now."

Time to make the bed. Or not.  Making it felt better than leaving it a swirly mess of blankets, so I began the task. When it didn't look perfect and kitty thought it would be fun to keep messing it up as I straightened it out, I walked away, pleased that it was done and happy that he was having fun. It didn't HAVE to be perfect. It's not like we were having guests or that anyone would complain or even care.

My perfectly imperfect bed-making this morning

I spent a few hours cleaning my house, slowly working from one room to the next. I wasn't sloppy about it.  I didn't rush through it like I usually do. I took my time and focused as I completed each task. Guess what? It still wasn't perfect.  No matter how many tasks I completed, I still came up with more that could be done. And, I decided to stop.  So many times we PUSH ourselves - not just with housework but with other things as well.  There will always be something MORE that we can do, but sometimes the best thing to do is appreciate the hard work you've done and then rest and take care of yourself.

My perfectly imperfect makeup
organization

Before resolving to rest for the evening, I decided to bake a cake.  I have fun doing it, though I am certainly no master-mind at it. My cakes are usually a little bit lopsided and my frosting drippy.  But the recipients of them (I just started making them last month) appreciate it so much. I do it to see the light on their face and to feel the light in my heart. Both are good reasons. :)

My perfectly imperfect cake baking today

There's another reason that baking cakes feels like good therapy. Here's a favorite quote that sums it up nicely:

“Do you know what I love about cooking? I love that after a day when nothing is sure – and I mean nothing – you can come home, and absolutely know, that when you add egg yolks to chocolate, and sugar and milk, it will get thick – it’s such a comfort.” 



- Amy Adams as Julie in Julie & Julia




May you seek out and find those things that bring you joy and happiness, even momentarily. May you choose to focus on what you can do to improve your mood, even if you can't do much about your present circumstances. May you allow yourself moments of peace and contentment.


Namaste,
Debbie aka Sulilo

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