The Freedom in Imperfection: How Letting Go of Perfect Can Help You Thrive in Life

We live in a world where perfection is praised and imperfection is shamed. But what if we flipped the script and celebrated our flaws instead? What if we saw imperfection as a symbol of authenticity, and a way to connect with others on a deeper level?

As an artist, I've found that some of my most powerful and moving pieces have come from embracing imperfection. When I allow myself to make mistakes and take risks, I create art that is raw, honest, and relatable. And the same can be said for all areas of life.

When creating this piece, I was focused on studying the muscles, bones, and how the skin lays across the anatomy. I was also paying attention to how light can express confidence. I got lost in my perfectionism. Normally, I leave the eyes for last because they are my favorite part, but this time, I paused. I realized that leaving the eyes undone, even though it felt imperfect and unfinished, gave the person in the artwork an almost mystical glow. It was as if they were looking at me with pride, strangely encouraging me somehow (haha apparently I need the encouragement that day). At the time, it was almost painful for me to leave the eyes unfinished, But I forced myself to leave it unfinished (and imperfect!) and now I love it even more.

By embracing imperfection, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities. We become more accepting of ourselves and others, more willing to take risks, and more resilient in the face of adversity.

So, how can we embrace imperfection in our daily lives? Start by recognizing that perfection is an unattainable goal. No one is perfect, and that's okay. Next, try to reframe your mistakes as opportunities for growth and learning. Finally, practice self-compassion and kindness, both to yourself and to others.

When we let go of the need for perfection, we create space for authenticity, vulnerability, and creativity. We give ourselves permission to be human, to make mistakes, and to connect with others in a meaningful way. So, embrace your imperfections and see where they take you. You might be surprised at the beauty and freedom that comes with letting go of perfect.

The Magic of Creativity: How Art Can Help You Tap into Your Inner Strength

As an artist, you know that there's something special about the creative process. It's not just about making something beautiful or interesting - there's a deeper magic at work. When you engage with your art, you tap into a wellspring of energy and inspiration that can help you access your inner strength.

At its core, art is about expressing yourself in a way that words can't quite capture. It's a way of exploring your thoughts, emotions, and experiences, and finding new ways to understand and connect with the world around you. When you create something from your heart and soul, you're engaging with a part of yourself that's often hidden beneath the surface.

This is where the magic happens. When you're in the flow of creating, you're accessing a state of deep concentration and focus that allows you to shut out distractions and tap into your inner strength. It's like a form of meditation, where you're fully present in the moment and everything else fades away.

But the benefits of creativity go beyond just the act of making art. When you engage with your creativity on a regular basis, you begin to develop a sense of self-awareness and confidence that can spill over into other areas of your life. You start to see yourself as a person who's capable of creating beautiful things, and that sense of empowerment can help you tackle challenges in other areas of your life.

I created this piece during a time when my corporate job was sucking the creativity right the f out of me. I wasn't feeling particularly inspired to paint, but I had a gift certificate for an art class that was about to expire. It was a Saturday, after a long and exhausting week, and all I really wanted to do was curl up on the couch and cry. But I forced myself to attend the workshop anyway. The teacher instructed us to paint some generic sunset image. I sat in class, feeling defeated, wondering why I was there and wishing I was home crying. Lol. But then, sitting in silence, I remembered this badass Pirate Queen I recently read about, CHING SHIH - the most successful pirate of all time, who outdid all the other Caribbean pirates combined including Blackbeard. So, in a random moment of rebellion, I decided to paint her instead. Her incredible bravery and badassery were exactly what I needed to channel at that moment. And you know what??? This painting has become one of my favorites (!), inspiring me to create an entire collection of art based on the stories of lesser-known, badass women from history. (You can read more about CHING SHIH's story on my website.)

This is why it's so important to make time for creativity, even if it feels like a luxury. When you prioritize your art, you're prioritizing your own wellbeing and personal growth. You're tapping into a source of inner strength that can help you navigate the ups and downs of life with more grace and resilience.

So if you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed, consider taking some time to engage with your creativity. Whether it's painting, drawing, writing, or some other form of artistic expression, let yourself get lost in the process. Allow yourself to tap into the magic of creativity, and see how it can help you access your inner strength.