The Maturity of Imperfection

I almost gave up on this post, because I was struggling to find the perfect words.

I told Mark he'd just have to write... until he mentioned that I probably shouldn't give up on a post about accepting imperfection in the pursuit of actually getting things done.

Touche.

Obviously, I had to finish at that point. So, here are my imperfect words on the maturity of imperfection.

I never would have made the connection of maturity and imperfection. After all, shouldn't we always strive to do our best? Wouldn't that mean reaching perfection in a certain pursuit.

If we are talking about living a Godly life, I suppose so. There is a definition of perfection in that sense even if it is unobtainable , but in a lot of things perfection isn't even something one could describe.

I am a perfectionist, and that has lead me to giving up a lot. I can not do something perfectly so I either don't try, I try and give up as mistakes happen, or I finish and hide a project when the glaring flaws outshine the joy of completion.

In the book The Nesting Place Myquillyn Smith challenges us to be mature, and get-er dun already.

She argues it is far more mature, and worthwhile, to get the projects done imperfectly then to simply leave them undone til the magical time of unicorns flying, stars aligning, and budgets cooperating so something can be done perfectly. (Very much not her exact words).

It is because of my perfectionist tendencies that my ugly white walls sit fully bare. As an artist I have nothing artistic in my home... at all. 

It is because of my perfectionist tendencies (and a ridiculously tight budget) that our family room sat unfurnished for 9 months. As someone who feels very strongly about welcoming people into our home, being hospitable, and living life with friends I did not have seats to offer. 

It is because of my perfectionist tendencies that that massive canvas sits unpainted. I am an artist who can't figure out the "perfect" piece of art for our stupid bare walls, and so I don't even try. 

The list could go on and on. I can blame a lot of things. This is our 6th home in 8 years, I am tired of making rentals homey. Plain tired. With three little kids, I am busy and also the toddler tends to takes it upon herself to "help".

Honestly though, it is because I am not mature enough to get her done even if it can't be exactly like I want. So, I throw my little hissy fit (always internally, right Mark?) and never do it. I stare at blank walls, leave cook book ideas untouched in google docs, and neglect my blog (Worth Cooking).

All this because, I am too immature to accept imperfection. Though, maybe that is changing because I WROTE THIS DANG (imperfect) BLOG POST (Mark, take note.)