Chapter 1: The Power of Affirmations

Last year, I committed to several personal goals, one of which was to maintain a journal. I explored various prompts and routines and have since found consistency in my journaling practice.

One intriguing experiment I undertook was crafting daily affirmations. Initially, I approached this with skepticism, thinking it might be a bit trivial, but I decided to give it a try. My affirmation for 2023 became, "I am enough."

This phrase resonated deeply with me as it challenges a self-limiting belief that has plagued me since childhood. Over the years, I internalized thoughts like "I am not pretty enough," "I am not smart enough," and "I am not a good enough parent." However, I've come to realize these notions are unfounded. As the year has progressed, I've noticed a significant reduction in my negative self-talk, which has been incredibly uplifting. Motivated by this positive change, I decided to confront my perfectionism, another self-limiting belief.

Self-limiting beliefs are perceptions of ourselves that hinder our growth. They often originate in childhood as protective mechanisms but can become detrimental if not managed properly. Identifying and challenging these beliefs is crucial, and part of that process involves formulating a statement that embodies a new perspective.

After much contemplation, I finally settled on my affirmation for 2024: "I am beautifully imperfect." I cherish this statement as it emphasizes the beauty inherent in imperfection. The pursuit of perfection is unattainable and often leads to procrastination and anxiety.

I aimed for my affirmation to steer clear of setting unrealistic standards. Upon sharing this with a friend who shares my writing journey, she pointed out that I was leaning too much toward the idea of imperfection rather than embracing beauty.

This led to a delightful debate: Is it better to say, "I am beautifully imperfect," or "I am imperfectly beautiful?" My friend encouraged me to reflect on this, and I'm still exploring which resonates more deeply with me.

Chapter 2: The Journey to Acceptance

The first video, "What Makes You Beautiful - Perfectly Imperfect Series," emphasizes the importance of recognizing beauty in our imperfections, aligning perfectly with my evolving perspective.

In my last reflection, I discussed how I struggle with creative endeavors, often feeling I fall short. Feedback from others suggested I was too hard on myself. My inclination toward perfection leads to frustration and unnecessary anxiety. To address this, I need to understand the roots of my perfectionism.

This need likely stems from a feeling of brokenness. Unlike inanimate objects, humans can be profoundly broken yet still function in various ways. We often hide our vulnerabilities, carrying shame and embarrassment about our imperfections.

There’s a line from a song I adore: "I'm broken, and I'm beautiful." This sentiment encapsulates my journey. Acknowledging my imperfections does not diminish my worth; in fact, it enhances it. I recognize that my flaws are part of what makes me unique.

The Japanese art of kintsugi beautifully illustrates this concept. When broken pottery is repaired with gold, the imperfections become part of the piece's story, highlighting its beauty rather than concealing it.

My guiding principle for 2024 is "wabi-sabi," a Japanese philosophy that celebrates transience and imperfection. I'm striving to embrace my flaws through my writing and journaling.

This journey is about accepting my brokenness as part of my identity. When I connect with others in my workshops, they often find me relatable and empathetic. This connection stems from my experiences of overcoming challenges.

When I criticize myself for not excelling at something, I need to remind myself that it’s acceptable to be imperfect. The world won’t judge me harshly for my flaws; instead, I can learn and grow from my mistakes.

Perfectionism often acts as a shield against hurt, but I’ve decided to thank it for its protective instincts while letting it know that I can manage without it in this journey. Embracing imperfection can lead to growth and joy in the process.

Our mindset shapes our actions. If we constantly feed ourselves negative narratives, we start to believe them. If I declare that I cannot undertake a task because I fear I won't excel, that fear becomes my reality. Conversely, if I affirm that I am permitted to engage in an activity for enjoyment rather than perfection, I am more likely to pursue it.

This principle applies to my work life as well. I often find myself paralyzed by the fear of not performing tasks perfectly, leading to inaction. To combat this, I remind myself that "done is better than none." A good enough outcome is often more than satisfactory, and I’ve learned that feedback is usually positive.

In past experiences, I’ve finished a webinar feeling like a failure, only to receive glowing feedback from participants. This disconnect highlights that I am not the disaster I perceive myself to be. I can embrace imperfection and still be more than enough.

Perhaps it’s time I start being good enough for myself.

Chapter 3: Reframing Our Inner Dialogue

The second video, "Declan J Donovan - Perfectly Imperfect (Official Video)," resonates with my theme of embracing who we are, imperfections and all.

Are you often overly critical of yourself? It might be time to challenge those self-imposed labels and reframe your internal dialogue. Start by identifying the negative mantras you repeat. Many of these beliefs were formed in childhood and need to be reassessed with compassion.

Changing long-held narratives requires consistent effort. Establishing an annual word or affirmation can significantly aid in transforming your mindset. Consider what you want your new script to look like. Progress may take time, but even small steps can lead to significant changes.

This journey is about evolution and growth. I invite you to share your experiences, whether they align with mine or differ. We can learn from each other’s journeys and insights as we navigate the complexities of self-acceptance.