We try to be perfect to belong, but it has the opposite effect.
Think about the most “perfect” person you know. How many times in the last year have you:
→ Reached out to ask how they’re doing, to show you care?
→ Shared with them how you’re truly feeling?
→ Suggested a playful way to spend time together?
→ Shared congratulations or liked their social media post?
I bet you’ve done a lot of that last one. Maybe very little of the first three.
We confuse the public accolades associated with perfectionism with a sense of deep belonging. And as we become addicted to those accolades, others in our lives may start to reach out less, may try to reflect back a similarly untarnished image, may become afraid of spending the type of time together where imperfections may be exposed.
But true, genuine connection is so much more valuable than all of those accolades. When we prioritize deep relationships over projecting a perfect image, we get to:
→ Relax into who we are, showing up as ourselves
→ Show up for each other in the midst of messiness
→ Find laughter in the beautifully imperfect moments
Connection > Perfection. EVERY. TIME.
2023 is just around the corner. What’s one way you can prioritize connection over perfection in the new year?
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