I have a flashbulb memory of being an 8-year-old girl in Grade 3. The teacher gave us an assignment and immediately everyone's heads went down and pencils started scratching furiously across paper. While I sat frozen. I wasn't totally sure of the task, I didn't want to ask, and I was scared of doing it wrong. Of not being perfect.
After a few minutes I did muster the courage to clarify. That was the beginning of my understanding that starting to write is always better than a blank page. That there are many answers to the same question. And that creativity will always get you to the place you want to go.
I saw a quote the other day that stopped me in my tracks. Ziad K. Abdelnour said, "There's no need to be perfect to inspire others. Let people get inspired by how you deal with your imperfections."
I couldn't agree more. There is endless beauty in being the person that you are. There is so much connection in realizing that we're all imperfect and that mistakes and failures create learning and growth. And the only reason we're here is to grow and evolve.
However, it is a challenge to let your true self shine through. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."
But you can do it. Don't judge yourself or others. Don't be afraid to let the world see the real you. You are perfectly imperfect and you inspire others just the way you are.