The Comeback Kid

Myths and legends have fueled storytelling for centuries. I find that, much like the elusive Loch Ness Monster, perfection sits in the category of myth.

Now, now, regardless of whether you believe in ole Nessie or not, my point still stands. And that is simply that I do not believe in chasing something invisible, intangible, and practically impossible.

You can sit there and think what I just said is a load of crap. And to that I would challenge you. Challenge you to think about how you define perfection? Who is someone you look at and think ‘wow they are perfect. I wish I was like them’?

Then ask yourself. Do you really know everything about that person? Because most likely, you will find that the answer is a resounding no. People tend to keep things private that would distort public opinion. To give an air of perfection, because they think that’s all people want to see.

Social media does a really good job of being perfection’s pimp. Think about some of the couples we idolize on there, whom we grasp onto to believe in love, and then they hit us with the ‘hey, so we were actually screwing four other people and divorced.’ Or ‘hey, they were actually incredibly abusive don’t mention them again.’

Distortion at its finest.

But this myth isn’t a newly minted practice. I studied history in college and one thing I loved was getting to know historical figures. Not for the glorified version of the victories and shortcomings that led us to where we are today, but for the imperfect person behind those decisions.

There is no such thing as perfection.

I had constantly held myself to the notion of perfection for years. Then one day I finally had enough of the pressure that seemed to close in on me from all sides. I decided that it wasn’t healthy for me to pursue perfect, because I was missing the joys of life itself.

Don’t get me wrong, if you have proof of perfection, please correct me. Or proof of the Loch Ness Monster… I would also very much like to see that.

But please don’t measure yourself to an immeasurable standard.

Give yourself room to breathe and to grow, because the very thing you deem perfect could be just okay to someone else. And remember that learning from mistakes can be life’s greatest gift.

Now go on! Get out of here and track me down an ancient lake monster!