Perfection is Accepting this Moment Exactly How it is

I look in the mirror and wonder sometimes how, why and when my life took a right turn. Like so many first-borns (that blame their parents for all our idiosyncrasies - sorry, mom and dad), I diligently handcrafted the life I wanted. Funny thing (and something you can only learn with time)…I now realize I was never in control of “the plan”. Life unfolds chapter by chapter, and different from a book, you cannot skip to the last page to know how the story ends. Some might say knowing the ending ruins the book. Others (like myself) might argue that knowing the outcome does not make the story less enjoyable, but instead there is comfort in knowing (what is typically) a happy ending.

When our oldest fell ill last September life changed overnight. There was no foreshadowing or indication a change in our story was coming. We did not have that luxury. And just as quickly, I had to let go of who I was/who we were and accept who I/we are now. The future yet again remains unpredictable. I am learning to be okay with this…still not very good at it. But, I hang tight to the hope and faith that all things happen for a reason. Really…what choice do I have? What choice do all of us have?

I am learning that a life of perfection is paved with disappointment. I am learning to enjoy the messy and imperfection of the journey knowing my story/our story is still being written.

I remind myself everyday not to miss the beauty found in the struggles many of us brave. Perfection is not something to strive for, but instead accepting this moment exactly how it is. Sometimes the unexpected can be a greater gift than the one(s) you planned for.