How much money, time, effort, and stress have you spent trying to improve yourself? We read beauty magazines, watch make over shows, read self-help books and spiritual texts, leave inspirational affirmations on our mirrors, visit the gym and yoga class like it’s our job…the list goes on and on. We do all of these things with the hope that we will forever end the toiling and striving by reaching “perfection”.
Ick! That word! That word that drives us crazy; that word we independent women of the 21st century claim to renounce, along with its implications: stepford-wifedom, a stick-thin figure, equating worth with fertility. But who among us hasn’t gotten caught up on the idea of perfection? Who among us hasn’t spent long hours trying to boost the self esteem of our girlfriends who say they would feel so much better if they could be a little more this, or a little less that. If “perfection” is not the aim, what exactly are we working towards when we are focused on our self-evolution?
The answer is simple: Opportunity. We decided a long time ago that there would be more to being a woman than cooking, cleaning, and child-rearing. But have we simply replaced this ideal with the one called “the perfect independent woman?” In either case, there is little variety to be found. Once something becomes our idea of perfection, it becomes trapped up on a pedestal, alone for eternity. So which sounds like more fun: being adored in a tower of perfection or joining a big party where large varieties of people, food, drink, and music mingle?
As you move through your day, simply notice the times when you say to yourself “I’m not ____ enough.” This is just one hors d’oeurves at the party trying to make itself the main course. Who says you have to be caviar when being a donut is just as fun (and comes with many more style options). Stop and affirm for yourself “I am a chocolate donut with pink frosting and sprinkles to boot. Take a bite outta that, Perfection!”