How to live in an imperfect world?

We all live in an imperfect world. Whether we like it or not, there will always be things that are not perfect.

Perhaps I am at this phase where I care more about living a more meaningful life than accomplishing things. 

Our life is not just an extensive To-do list. While we thrive on playing catch up in this rat race, we forget what it means to live. I have made this realization when my basic needs are met. What are basic human needs?

There are different opinions on our basic needs, but I believe that we need food, water, air, and shelter to survive. Once these needs are met, we can start thinking about other things that make us happy and fulfilled. This includes relationships, recreation, and contribution.

I used to think that to be happy, I needed to achieve perfection. But I was wrong. We need to learn how to accept the imperfections in our lives and find the beauty in them.

So how can we live in an imperfect world? Here are my thoughts.

1. Don't sweat the small stuff.

There will always be things that are not perfect, but they usually don't matter in the grand scheme of things. So don't dwell on them and just let them go. I have heard someone say; that our life is like a large chest of drawers. We might have one drawer that is upside down while the rest are in order. Just put the order in this drawer and move on.

2. Embrace your imperfections.

Embracing your imperfections can be challenging. We are constantly bombarded with images of perfection, whether it’s in magazines, on TV, or even just scrolling through social media. It’s easy to compare ourselves to these unrealistic standards and feel lacking. But the truth is that imperfections make us unique and beautiful. Instead of trying to hide or fix our flaws, we should learn to love them. After all, they are what make us who we are.

Talking about uniqueness of the imperfection, I stumbled upon this article about how the Japanese people mend their broken pottery with powdered gold, silver or platinum. It is an art named Kintsugi. 

Photo by Motoki Tonn on Unsplash

So next time you catch yourself feeling down about your imperfections, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you are perfect just the way you are.

3. Focus on the positive.

The glass is half full or half empty- which do you choose? It seems like a no-brainer answer, but in reality, we often select the empty. Why is that? Because it's easy to focus on the negative. What we don't have, rather than what we do. The things that didn't go right today, instead of all the good. It takes more effort to see the positive, but it is worth it. When you focus on the positive, you open yourself up to possibilities, hope, and happiness. You see all the good in your life and the world around you. Optimism breeds success because when you believe good things will happen, you are more likely to take the necessary steps to make them happen. So choose to focus on the positive and watch your life change for the better.

4. Be grateful for what you have.

It's easy to take the things we have for granted. We wake up each day and go about our lives without giving much thought to the roof over our heads, the food on our table, or the clothes on our backs. But if we stop to think about it, we will realize just how lucky we are. For many people worldwide, simply having a roof over their heads is a luxury. They go to bed each night, not knowing if they will be safe from the elements or if their home will still be standing in the morning. And while we may complain about the quality of our food or our clothing style, some people would be grateful to have either one. The next time you find yourself feeling down about your life, take a moment to be thankful for all that you have. It's easy to focus on what we lack, but when we take the time to appreciate what we do have, we realize just how fortunate we are.

5. Help others.

One of the best ways to make the world a better place is to help others.

It's easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget about the people around us. But one of the best ways to make the world a better place is to help others. Whether it's lending a hand to a friend in need, volunteering at a local soup kitchen, or simply offering a kind word to someone who looks like they're having a rough day, every act of kindness makes a difference. And when we take the time to help others, we make their lives better, but we also make the world a better place. So next time you see someone who could use a helping hand, don't hesitate to offer yours. You might make their day - and the world - a little brighter in the process.

6. Live in the present moment.

It's so easy to get caught up in what has happened in the past or what might happen in the future. dwelling on the past can only make you feel regretful and anxious about the future can only make you feel nervous. What's important is living in the present moment. Appreciate what you have right now and make the most of every opportunity. Don't miss out on enjoying life because you're too busy worrying about what has already happened or what might happen. Live in the present moment and enjoy the here and now.

7. Don't take life too seriously.

Life is full of ups and downs, and it can be easy to get caught up in the stress of day-to-day life. However, it’s important to remember that life is also full of joy and laughter. Don’t take life too seriously – instead, enjoy the ride. savor the good moments, and learn from the bad. Life is too short to spend it worrying about things that you can’t control. Instead, focus on the things that make you happy. Spend time with your loved ones, pursue your passions, and live life to the fullest. You only get one shot at this life, so make it count.

8. Be yourself.

Being yourself is one of the most important things you can do in life. You are the only person who can be you, so it's important to be proud of who you are. It's easy to try to be someone you're not, especially if you feel like you don't fit in or you're not good enough the way you are. But it's important to remember that there's nobody else in the world who is exactly like you, and that's a good thing! Being yourself makes you unique and special, and there's nobody else who can do what you do the way you do it. So be proud of who you are, and don't try to be anyone else.

9. And at last, don't strive for perfection.

We live in a world that seems to value perfection above all else. We are constantly bombarded with images of perfect bodies, perfect homes, and perfect families. It's no wonder that so many of us feel like we can never measure up.

But the truth is that perfection is an unrealistic goal. Striving for perfection can actually be harmful to our mental and physical health. Perfectionism can lead to anxiety, depression, and even physical illness. It can also prevent us from taking risks, trying new things, and reaching our full potential.

So instead of striving for perfection, focus on being your best self. Be kind to yourself, celebrate your accomplishments, and learn from your mistakes. 

What are your thoughts on this subject? Let us know in the comments below. 

Remember that you are imperfectly perfect just the way you are. ♥️