As a working mom, life is a constant juggling act. Between deadlines, meetings, errands, breastfeeding to bedtime stories and everything in-between, it's easy to feel like I'm falling short somewhere along the way. But, through it all, I've come to embrace the concept of being Imperfectly Perfect.
Recently, I participated in a Women's Entrepreneur event organized by The Beauty Boost of Asheville, North Carolina. No, The Beauty Boost is not an MLM but describes itself as a community for women to feel empowered, healthy and beautiful hosting local events like retreat getaways, fitness events, empowerment workshops and socials! I prepped for the event, finally getting around to business items for myself that I put on the back burner such as new business cards, updating my links and even posting on my own socials - which I often slack on yet tell my clients how important it is and run all their's with top notch service. The day of the event I thought I was getting so much done swimmingly. Then somewhere around 3PM I found myself like a fish out of water who was just flopping around trying to get back to the flow of things. I was late for the event set up. I cried on the way there. There was a huge traffic backup but I was already running a little behind to begin with. I got to the event all frazzled with massive imposture system almost seeping through my veins and trying to set up my booth area. I thought "How was I suppose to work with people and present myself when I am so __________ (enter all the negative things here)." I didn't even have time to do my hair and just pulled it into a pony tail. BOOM. It hit. I DO know what I am talking about. Nothing is perfect and I was trying to control so much around me.
In a world that often pressures us to meet unrealistic standards of perfection, it can be challenging to accept our flaws and embrace our unique journey. As a mother and a professional, I've learned that this mindset is not only liberating but also empowering.
The Struggle of Perfection
Before I became a mom, I had this idealized vision of what motherhood and my career would look like. I pictured a spotless house with the perfect office space that I see so many mamas having across Instagram plus seamlessly being able to balance work and home life. However, reality has plans. My office became the nursery and dinning room my office - which is in the middle of our little bungalow home and share a open hallway to all the rooms in the house. Some days, like today, I don't get a shower in - i'll be honest.
I quickly realized that perfection in the world of parenting and work is a myth. In life in general. No matter how hard I tried, there would always be days when things didn't go as planned. Maybe it was a missed deadline because of a chaotic morning that left no time for a nutritious breakfast. These moments used to leave me feeling like I was failing at both roles.
Embracing Imperfections
Over time, I came to appreciate that life's imperfections are what make it beautiful. My son taught me that it's okay to make mistakes. Mistakes are great! We learn from them and can take what we have learned for growth. My career taught me that innovation often arises from trial and error, not rigid adherence to a plan.
As a working mom, embracing the imperfectly perfect mindset means acknowledging that I won't always have it all together. It means forgiving myself when I fall short of my own expectations and realizing that it's okay to ask for help. It's about understanding that life is a series of ups and downs, and that's what makes it an incredible journey. I like to think of it like a roller coaster. You go up, down, and all around. You are sometimes screaming, crying and scared or all three which can quickly turn to smiles and laughter. Things build up and up and up as you intimate so many things. Often there is a HUGE rush of so many feelings. It's beautiful. Imperfection IS so very beautiful.
Finding Strength in Imperfection
Being a working mom has also taught me that imperfection is a source of strength. When I let go of the need to be perfect, I'm more resilient in the face of challenges. I'm open to learning from my mistakes and adapting to new situations. I've discovered creativity in finding unconventional solutions to problems.
Moreover, embracing the imperfectly perfect mindset has allowed me to connect with other working moms who face similar struggles. We share stories of our imperfections, support each other, and find solace in knowing we're not alone in this journey.
Conclusion
In a world that often tells us we have to be flawless in every role we play, being a working mom has taught me that imperfection is not a weakness but a source of strength. Embracing the imperfectly perfect mindset has allowed me to find joy in the messiness of life, to appreciate the beauty in my unique journey, and to connect with others on a deeper level.
So, here's to all the working moms out there – you are perfectly imperfect and imperfectly perfect, and that's what makes you a beautiful human. Embrace it, love it, and be proud of the incredible balancing act you perform every day. It's a journey worth celebrating.
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