Letters to Myself: Bonus Entry
Prompt: How to let go of perfection?
We often see perfection as the ultimate goal. The flawless day, the perfect achievement, the moment when everything finally feels “just right.” But life doesn’t really work that way. Much like the seasons, life shifts and changes whether we want it to or not. And it’s in those imperfect, in-between moments where the real beauty often hides. This reflection is my reminder to let go of perfection and embrace what’s already in front of me.
Answer to the prompt:
As September begins and summer fades into fall, I can’t help but see the metaphor in front of me. Summer is always painted as vibrant and bright, while fall is seen as the season of dying. The leaves fall, the air turns crisp, and we begin to brace ourselves for winter.
But here’s the truth: we don’t get to choose the season. We move from one to the next because change is inevitable. If we could hold on to summer forever, many of us would. Yet we accept the shift because we know it’s part of life.
That’s what letting go of perfection is all about.
We can’t force perfection, just as we can’t hold onto summer. Some days will feel “perfect,” but most won’t, and that’s okay. The danger comes when we chase perfection so hard that we miss the beauty of the ordinary. Life will continue on, no matter if the day was flawless or messy. The sun will rise again tomorrow.
For years, I struggled with perfectionism. I thought if I wasn’t good at everything, I was failing. But being perfect is an impossible standard. It blocks you from new experiences and locks you into self-criticism. What I’ve learned instead is that the imperfect moments often become the most meaningful.
When I traveled to Italy, I stood one night overlooking Florence, live music playing in the streets below. It wasn’t a grand event, it was simple, even ordinary, but to me, it was perfect. Not because everything was flawless, but because I allowed myself to be present. That’s where real perfection lives: in the simple things.
Much like the seasons, our lives move forward whether we’re ready or not. There will be chances to learn new skills, to grow in our work, to take steps forward personally and professionally. But perfection isn’t the goal. Joy is. Presence is. Gratitude is.
The imperfections, the cracks, the stumbles, the unfinished edges, are what make life whole. They are, in their own way, perfect. Letting go of perfection means freeing yourself to live more fully, to notice the beauty that’s already here, and to trust that the seasons of your life will unfold as they should.
This post is part of my "Letters to Myself" series — a weekly free-write blog where I explore personal growth, curiosity, and healing through simple prompts. Sometimes reflective, sometimes fun, but always real. Thank you for being here.
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Photo by Kyle Gare
