EMBRACING IMPERFECTION: THE BEAUTY OF BEING A WORK IN PROGRESS

Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, “When did my laugh lines become paragraphs?” Or maybe, like me, you’ve attempted a new hobby, only to realize the masterpiece you were working on turned out to look more like a melted-down piece of Tupperware. If so, welcome to the human race, my friend! You are a work in progress, and there’s no shame in that! In fact, let’s talk about the true beauty in it.

Don’t believe the Media

I don’t have to tell you that we, unfortunately, live in a world that is constantly promoting an unachievable illusion of perfection. So much so that even teenagers, pre-teens (and even younger, sad to say) are prioritizing these ridiculous and unattainable goals. Most television commercials, magazine ads, and above all, social media posts have firmly positioned this idea of perfection on a pedestal.  Whether it’s an immaculately organized closet or pantry, flawless hair or teeth or the latest haute couture from Paris, (whether it compliments your body - or your pocketbook), it’s insane.  And where are you through all of this? Sprawled on the couch, wearing mismatched socks, munching on last night’s pizza, and thinking, “What am I doing wrong?” Spoiler alert, my dear: Nothing! This non-stop barrage of beauty, career, immaculate home with a successful husband and two spic and span kids who never get in trouble, is about as fake as an AI image of the perfect sunrise…it likely doesn’t exist.

What would you say if I told you that all the things that the media wants you to believe should be hidden: the extra pounds, the faux-pas you often make, the less-than-perfect at-home hair coloring job you’re wearing, are exactly what make you interesting? Think about it: Do you really enjoy watching a movie where you can guess the ending within 90 seconds after the credits roll, featuring, of course, the expected love angle you thought only happened in romance novels?  Well, guess what, you’d be right. And it’s boring – B.O.R.I.N.G.!!   In my opinion, imperfections are where the good stories live. They’re the moments that build character, propel you to the relationship or career opportunity you’ve been waiting for, and (let’s be honest) create the funniest memories to share with your girlfriends.

None of us wake up as the mom, wife, or career woman we see in the sitcoms. No one. And if anyone you know claims they do, run, don’t walk, away from that friendship, because they are obviously not dealing with reality. Most of us learn and evolve through trial, error, and a bit, no, a LOT, of chaos. Maybe you’re learning to cook French cuisine and keep turning out flat croissants. Or how about the pottery class you took and your vase flew off the wheel because you hadn’t secured it properly?  Sound familiar? These are the interesting experiences that make us so unique and produce memories that we’ll always laugh about and remember. And at the end of the day, isn’t that what life is all about? My favorite memories are the ones where I made the dumbest mistakes, so dumb in fact that I had to laugh at myself, along with everyone else. Priceless experiences, and I wouldn’t change not even one of them for the world.

Your Imperfections are Perfect

One way to embrace imperfections is to journal them. Sometimes we try to forget embarrassing situations, but if we write them down, we almost always go back and remember them with fondness, and a knowledge that they’ve made us better people.  I enjoy the 5-Minute Journal. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it won’t judge you for spelling “thankful” with two Ks!

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Follow Your Dreams

Here at AGING OUT LOUD, we’re all about throwing out the idea that certain dreams or adventures are not for us.  We can all definitely realize all our dreams oven those we haven’t thought of yet, and it could happen at 30, 50, or 90. The key is to see yourself like the Mona Lisa that took Leonardo da Vinci 16 years to complete. She was his work in progress and though loved by the world, da Vinci never was able to find perfection in the work. So, if you’re contemplating a new passion, like skydiving, or launching a blog, go for it! I still can’t believe I decided to start this blog in my 70s.  But I am so passionate about enjoying this incredible life for as long as I can, that I jumped at the opportunity to share my thoughts and research with all of you!  Sure, falling down the stairs in my own home, breaking my ankle, and being laid up for 3 months (true story), wasn’t fun, but at least I’ll always have a great story to tell, that will make people laugh.

And if you’re not quite sure what you’d like to do, check out a learning platform like Skillshare. You’ll find thousands of classes taught by real people who also started somewhere, often fumbling and bumbling, just like the rest of us.

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No one ever said that this thing called life would be easy. I think we all have examples, many of them, on how challenging becomes at times, occasionally even downright overwhelming. If you sometimes think it’s too much, a mindfulness app like Calm can help tremendously.

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I love being a work in progress, because there’s no expiration date. It keeps me curious, open-minded, and ready for surprises, both good and bad. So, the next time you’re feeling down about not being “perfect,” remember that perfect is boring, and the real fun is in the imperfections. After all, who wants to hear a story of a woman who walked down the stairs at home, followed by a period?

Embrace your laugh lines, your silly goof-ups, and the many projects you still plan to get back to. You’re not behind schedule. You’re right on track to becoming the best version of yourself. And that version? It’s wonderfully,  and gloriously imperfect.

Until next time, keep AGING OUT LOUD, celebrating your flaws, and laughing every step of the way. Because you, my friend, are a masterpiece in progress, and that’s the most beautiful thing of all.

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~~~ We are all works in progress. How have you changed, evolved or felt better in your skin once you realized striving for perfection was not what your wanted for your life? ~~~

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Until next time, keep living boldly, embracing change, and AGING OUT LOUD — No Limits, No Apologies, No Regrets!

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