Perfectly Imperfect.
On the urge to destroy what you've made – and on giving imperfection a full right to exist, as a teacher and lifelong companion.
There is a moment I keep meeting: the work is on the table, someone might actually see it, and suddenly everything about it looks wrong. The day before this letter, I had gone all in on something – and within twenty-four hours fear and doubt had me questioning all of it, close to tearing it down and starting over.
The letter's answer is not to fix the work. It says: step back, breathe, and let it stay imperfect for a while – imperfection is a teacher, and it deserves more than being endured. "The Blind Spot" draws the same line between a right to be tolerated and a genuine right to exist; this letter hands that right to imperfection itself, and with it to everything you make.
If you have ever wanted to delete the thing the day after making it, this one is yours.
Dear traveler,
When we create, there is much that meets us on our way, much we are confronted with. Small tests. Hurdles we grow by. Sometimes we create with lightness – and sometimes it is so easy to give up, because we would rather destroy our creation. Then it is time to take a step back and breathe – pause for a moment, and maybe sleep on it.
Remember that you are exactly where you are meant to be. In the right place, at the right time. You took no wrong turn anywhere. It is not too late – and not too early. You have time.
Just let your creation stay imperfect for a moment. Bear imperfection. Even when others can see it. Let it go. Imperfect is, right now, perfect. Imperfection is an important teacher. Listen to it patiently. Give it room. Make friends with it. And the more you come to know it, the more you allow it to be here. The more you accept it as it is. The more relaxed you become.
A deep breath in and out moves through you. Fear and doubt scatter, and calm and clarity return. Out of this calm comes stillness. The stillness you need to hear your inner voice. The stillness you need to create from your inner essence.
And then you can sit down again. Right next to imperfection. Embrace it lovingly. Look it in the eyes. Smile. Laugh. And meet it with deep love. From now on it is your companion. It always was. Your whole life.
But now you can accept it. Integrate it fully. Not just tolerate it, not just bear it. No – give it a full right to exist. Just as it is. Whether you are alone or others are watching. You are imperfection. Your creations are imperfection. Oh wonderful imperfection, you are perfect. And now you can create freely.
Thank you for being here.
If something in these letters stayed with you, take it along – think about it, write your own answer, or just let it sit.
And if not today, that's okay too. There's no rush.
Until next time,
– Jan