I can count on a missing shoe or mismatched sock to make me late every morning.
I am gaining weight at an alarming rate, 10 pounds plus some, monthly.
My face resembles the view of Mars in 3D in Google Earth.
My house is rarely spotless, and my makeup is never flawless.
I am moody. I swing low. I swing high, Sweet Chariot.
I am not Mother of the month, let alone Mother of the Year.
Sometimes, I am a selfish, lousy wife.
And, more days than not, I am simply not enough.
Not pretty enough, Not nice enough, Not smart enough, Not good enough.
I feel it in my bones. I taste it on my tongue, thick and putrid.
Defeat.
Thrashed and beaten, Failure.
The lies I believe as sacred truths wrap around me like a hangman’s knot, bound and taut.
I slip away.
I fade into the lies, the slander, and deceit.
And, just when I think I can’t hold on any longer, I let go.
I let go of expectations I can not meet,
Goals I will never achieve.
I let go of myths that hold no truth,
And, I let go of the one thing that weighs me down the most, the image of Perfect.
Ah dear one.. think about your perfection in carrying this miracle, your unborn child.. that is perfect enough
You are so sweet and so right, Lynne! There is nothing more precious and more perfect than a little kicking inside your tummy. Thank u!
No one is perfect, yet we all strive for perfection. I see an awesome mommy, a great person, and a heart of gold and if you have those things then that’s all you need!
Thank you, Jessalynn! I guess you have all you need as well, because I could say all those things and more about you.
I love this post! Great message!
Thank you!
I found this moving, Tammy. You would never want to get to perfect anyway, right? Then, we’d be done!
I guess you’re right…perfect maybe but definitely not done. No one wants to be done. Excellent point!
I am so glad you have a forum to share your feelings and beautiful writing. By all means, please let go of perfection. You are far too busy performing a miracle.
Aww, thank you so much Alena. Your comments and writing are always so inspiring. You are Wonderful, my dear!
it is our flaws that define us all. don’t be too hard on yourself, tammy.
Beautifully written. Measuring up is tiresome. Here’s my motto: Be “flaw-tabulous”! : ) Thanks for sharing your heart with us.
Thank you and I love your motto! It just maybe my new mantra!
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Thank u so much! I feel so honored to be a part of your double feature. It’s reassuring to know I am not the only recovering perfectionist. And, by the way, you made my day Perfect
I am all of these things too – except I’m not pregnant! Love this post.
Thank you! There is strength in numbers. I hope your recovery from the unattainable Perfection is smoother than mine.
Ms. Bumble led me here. And I too am about to burst with baby. Pregnancy and motherhood need to ban perfection. Hard enough being in this body with morning sickness in the last month. I loved the rhythm and crescendo of your piece. Thanks for the dose of humanity and vulnerability. We teach our children as we do.
Love,
Shalagh
Thank you, Shalagh, and congrats on the baby! I agree with you about banning Perfect in concordance with motherhood and Pregnancy. It’s never going to happen and it is so exhausting!