EMBRACING IMPERFECTIONISM
A Journey from Messy to Masterpiece
Last year, I took a leap of faith and enrolled in writing classes. Yes, me—the same person who once wrote "definitely" in a school essay and thought "grammar" was just a fancy way of saying "grandma." I've always admired those talented writers who can weave words together beautifully, capturing readers with every turn of the page. Meanwhile, I struggled to turn a simple grocery list into a coherent thought.
But, as I've learned, embracing imperfections is vital to the creative process. The universe sent me a memo saying, "Stop worrying about the mess and just get your thoughts out there!" Who knew the cosmos was so laid-back about grammar?
My writing teacher, a beacon of wisdom, shared a gem that stuck with me: "There's always time to clean it up on the second and third go-around." This is a refreshing reminder that even the best writers don't produce perfection on the first draft. Think of it like a painter who occasionally decides that a beautiful sunset needs a bit more… well, orange. Or that a landscape is missing a few strategically placed llamas. (Hey, I'm not here to judge your artistic choices.)
I find parallels between writing and painting—my two great loves that are in the "creative mess" category. While wrestling with a stubborn project the other day, I remembered something important: if you're frustrated with a painting or whatever creative project your working on, it's okay to put it aside and work on something else. Sometimes, you need to give those brush strokes or creative process a little time to breathe (and by "breathe," I mean "stop glaring at you from the corner of the room").
This philosophy isn't just limited to art; it applies to life. We often find ourselves in perfection, whether in our careers, relationships or that elusive notion of "having it all together." But here's the truth: we are all works in progress, navigating through life's classroom one messy, colorful project at a time. And guess what? Mistakes are just part of the curriculum.
I've learned that our missteps are often the best teachers. They help us grow and adapt and occasionally cause a hearty laugh—like when I accidentally painted my dog's tail instead of the canvas. (Note to self: always check the brush for rogue paint!)
So, while I haven't yet signed a book deal (not even close, haha!), I can confidently say I'm having a blast. It's liberating to let go of the need for perfection. This year, I challenge you all to step out of your comfort zone and do that one thing you've always said, "I wish I could do that." Whether painting, dancing, or trying to write a haiku without Googling "how to write a haiku," just get started!
Embrace your imperfectionism. Remember, even the most celebrated artists and writers started somewhere messy and unrefined. So grab that paintbrush, pick up that pen, and dive into the glorious chaos of creativity. Life is too short to worry about typos and crooked lines. Let's make some beautiful progress together!
With love and adventure - Tracy