Perfection is Imperfection

Madeline Dow

Writing for Strategic Comm.

Blog #2

Perfection is Imperfection

            Although I don't generally discuss this topic openly, I feel an overwhelming desire to share my own wisdom and opinions about the idea of perfection. Lately I have been exposed to numerous posts and conversations regarding fixing or "perfecting" ourselves. I have encountered many friends, peers, and celebrities constantly discussing their need to lose weight, exercise more, eat less, tan more- ultimately trying to repair their dissatisfactions with themselves.

            While I am guilty of participating in all of these things, I have learned the hard way that these superficial desires do not result in happiness and do not result in perfection. While I shrunk away, I thought that I would finally be satisfied with my life and with myself, but i was completely wrong. Although I lost weight, I also lost track of my goals, friends, family, integrity, and mostly I lost Madeline. I know now that none of if was worth it. What I know now is that perfection and happiness come from acceptance.

            It's so exhausting to constantly criticize yourself, now I think, "how amazing does it feel to learn to love my imperfections?" Although many will not fall down my dangerous path, I want to tell everyone that trying to make small (or large) changes to your external self can turn into a major problem. It would be a dream for us all to stop criticizing ourselves and each other. I have learned to be kind to others, and especially myself.

            Please be cautious of your words to or about others and yourself because it can create a very unattractive individual. In my opinion, the most beautiful people I know do not focus only on their external appearance, but they show compassion and kindness to all. We must make ourselves beautiful by much more than appearance. Lastly, I hope everyone can find acceptance in their imperfections, and not let them rob you of all of the beauty and love you can give to the world.

All my Love,

Madeline Dow
Then and Now...