Why Perfection is Unattainable

A few days ago I received this note and it reminded me of a problem many teenagers face everyday. The problem: Striving for Perfection.

Hi Casperette,

Thanks for writing to me :)

I wish I could tell you all of the secrets to perfection but unfortunately I'm in the same position as you. There are days when I think I'm really close to being perfect yet I never seem to reach it.

Two months before I got your letter I was daydreaming in my garden. I wondered why my dogs were always so happy and carefree. They weren't constantly fretting whether they were wearing pretty clothes or worrying if they were going to pass their exams. As I thought about it more and more I realized that I lived a completely different life to my dogs (and this is not just because I'm not covered in fur and crazy about dog biscuits). Whilst they spent hours enjoying life I was either worrying or too busy to think. To be honest, I was jealous that my life was so hectic and there's was not. But I couldn't think of anything to do about it so I simply picked up a stick and threw it for them.

My thoughts moved on over the next few days but I never forgot that moment and a week later I realized what was wrong with my life. Before I say it I must admit, I'm a really lucky girl. I have a lovely family. I have awesome friends, I go to an amazing school and I know that God is watching over me. However, when you strive for perfection you don't always appreciate the things you have with you. This is exactly what happened to me. And along with that, I was worrying about attaining perfection.

Ever since I realized this I stopped striving towards perfection, and honestly, I now know that I would rather be imperfect than perfect. Because perfection is different in everyone's eyes and as a result it is unattainable, and when something is unattainable then striving for it will only make you sad, frustrated and angry. So, do what I did, love your uniqueness, embrace your imperfection and I promise your worries will soon fade away.

Smiles,
Kirsten A. Everett

PS: Write again soon :)