Wallowing in Imperfect

So, for today's entry, I decided to operationalize the suggestions I made in yesterday's blog about perfectionism... Meaning, what good is it to talk about having the courage to be imperfect but not say how?

So here are 10 ways to fully enjoy being an imperfect human being:

1. Next time you are going to a party, intentionally walk in with lipstick on your teeth, your shirt inside out, or obviously non-matching socks. See who points it out to you.
2. Think back to the first time you got a speeding ticket. [If you've never had a speeding ticket, move on to #3.] Remember the horrible, sinking feeling you had when you saw the blue lights behind you -- and how upset you were when the cop decided that you were not getting just a warning this time, but an actual, fine-inducing, insurance-raising ticket. Remember how terrible you felt? Thinking your parents or spouse were going to kill you and that your day was totally, irreparably ruined? Cursing yourself for not going 2 mph slower or not paying attention to what you were doing.... Now think back at how that incident has really impacted your life. I mean, really. Chances are, not much. And for most people, that first ticket was a great lesson in paying attention to how fast you're driving. Okay, for me, it took seven or eight of those tickets to accomplish such awareness - but who's counting?
3. If you've never had a speeding ticket, and you are over the age of 22, then we need to talk about your obsessive commitment to a perfect driving record. Sure, it sounds good at parties: "Who, me? Speeding ticket? NEVER. Who do you think I am, some reckless ne'er-do-well?" But think what you are setting yourself up for. Someday later in life, just when your stress is at its peak, you will get distracted and allow the speedometer to creep past 50 mph in a 35 zone and see the ominous blue lights behind you. And because you've held this perfect record for way, way too long -- a simple ticket will be totally devastating. You'll cry for weeks, lose your job, and your friends will be forced to drive you around because of your crippling fear of incurring another traumatic ticket. You can't do this to yourself. You owe it to yourself, your friends, and your mental health to go out and get -- no, earn -- yourself a speeding ticket as soon as possible. (Please do this on a safe, straight highway outside of school and construction zones). Make it an excuse for a road trip. Your friends can have a betting pool on how long it will take you to get a ticket and how fast you'll be going when you do. And when you see those blue lights in the rear view mirror and prepare to lose $80 to $200 from your savings account, be polite to the officer, turn the radio up as you drive away, and say to yourself "Sweet! The burden of a perfect record is no longer mine to bear. I am LIBERATED!!!"
4. Take a class in something that you've always been hesitant to try, because it scares the hell out of you. Some thoughts: acting, cooking, rollerblading, public speaking, photography, belly dancing, race-car driving, hang-gliding, or singing.
   
5. Think back to something really embarrassing that you did (or that happened to you) in high school or middle school. Remember how mortified you felt at the time, and then think how funny the incident seems now -- maybe with a little twinge of the old pain, too. Tell the story to your kids if you have them, or to someone else in your life who you normally try to impress. Make a big deal of it. Be dramatic. Laugh hard.
6. Read a book or article about someone you admire (or if it's someone you know, remember or ask about the life he/she has lived). Make note of the ways that the person made mistakes in life, and how those mistakes helped shape his or her character, life and success. Do the same for your life so far.
7. Go somewhere and get lost. It could be an exotic destination or 2 neighborhoods over. Drive around until you are completely unsure of where you are. Before you look at the map, stop and realize how confident you are that you'll find your way home.
   
8. Think of someone you've hurt - either intentionally or by accident. Write them a letter or e-mail of apology (even if it's someone you don't know). Don't explain or rationalize your actions -- just accept responsibility and apologize. Send it if you can, unless sending it would cause more harm. If you can't or shouldn't send it, read it carefully, take a deep breath, and throw it away. Go do something fun or relaxing.
9. Intentionally (carefully) trip and fall in a public place. Smile gracefully as you get up and assure concerned onlookers that you're fine.
10. Think of a way you've enjoyed being imperfect and add it as a comment on this blog!!! :)