Being perfect

Many people don't know this, but being perfect takes a lot of work.  Some mistake it as an easy task that comes naturally to others.  It's not.  It's hard work.  It takes a lot of time and patience.  It requires constant attention.  Not that I would know... 

Of course, some might argue that no one is perfect.  I suppose that depends on how one defines perfection.  I have moments were I think of it as the unattainable goal that, no matter what all of us non-perfect people say, we're all, deep down, trying to reach.  Then there are days when I think that being imperfect is what makes us perfect.  I am who I am meant to be, flaws and all, making me the perfect version of myself.

There are so many factors that play into how someone feels about themselves.  I believe magazines and advertisers provide an image of perfection that, to young girls especially, makes one incredibly uncomfortable in their own skin.  Fortunately, as an adult, I don't know that I put nearly as much weight on those images... I believe it's important for teens to see a more realistic image of beauty, but I find that, in my old age (kidding, of course) I've attained enough wisdom to know that this is simply not an image anyone can live up to.  And, deep down, I have an understanding that every one of those models with 'perfect' bodies have their own doubts and self-esteem issues... we just can't see them through the glossy magazine spread.

As an adult we realize that maybe the perfect body doesn't exist... at least not after a few kids and what I like to consider basic necessities... a few glasses of wine, a couple beers, a pan of brownies... they can go a long way in relieving stress and I'll take a few extra pounds over cutting that out of my diet any day :)  Plus, with limited time and a busy schedule, I find matching clothes and make-up don't always make the list of daily priorities.  Fortunately for me, having established that what you look like does not make you perfect, I've managed to save myself countless hours of primping.  (My apologies to the fine employees of the local grocery store who occasionally catch me in my pjs and a baseball hat - no offense, but you just don't rank high enough to justify the use of a hairdryer.)

So why does being perfect still seem to matter?  Why do I still feel like I'm not living up to some kind of crazy standard?  It's certainly not like anyone has given me the impression that I'm not good enough.  Am I the only one that feels the pressure to be something better? 

So, after mulling it over for a few days I realize that I try my very best to give people the impression that I am perfect.  I'm not suggesting anyone believes it... but the effort is still there.  I never go out of my way to admit my mistakes (mainly because I rarely make them), I put makeup on every morning before work (not that it's needed, because clearly I have flawless skin), I color my hair (even though there's no reason to dislike my incredibly boring natural brown), I post to facebook how much I love my life (because it's obviously perfect) and, of course, if anyone ever asks, my son is the most amazing kid you could ever meet (because, even though he's a toddler, he just doesn't seem to be affected by the terrible 2s).  And so I give some serious thought to my half truths and small exaggerations and realize that maybe, just maybe, I'm not the only one trying to put out the 'my life is seriously perfect' vibe...  and I suddenly start to feel a heck of a lot better about myself. 

I'd love to challenge everyone to be themselves, even if only for a short while, and try it on for size... see how it feels... and maybe find that being 100% yourself isn't all that bad.  But, who would make the leap first?  Am I strong enough to do it without following someone else's lead?  Does my admitting imperfection make it impossible to ever go back to pretending otherwise?

Not that it matters... because I'm not pretending... after all, I'm clearly perfect in every way :)