The Myth of Perfection
Disclaimer: I’m not perfect.
There’s a whole lot that I’m not so good at. Maybe you’re as woefully aware of that as I am. It’s okay if you are.
But hey, if we’re honest, none of us are perfect.
Yeah, I know that the perfectly staged and (I’ll admit) beautiful pictures posted on Pinterest and Instagram would have you believe otherwise.
I couldn’t begin to imagine what it would take to make my home look like that! Hello! I have two little boys, two dogs, a husband, and brother-in-law living in the house. If you’re keeping track, that’s 5 boys (if you add the one male dog)… White, light, and pretty just doesn’t last long around here.
My life is gritty and in-the-trenches, but it’s also full of beauty and silliness.
During the day, I teach high school English.
Now, don’t run off like that! I teach English through movies and projects and self-reflection. I don’t like Shakespeare (gasp!) or traditional “literature” (I just got uninvited from all meetings of English teachers – forever).
I have a child on the autism spectrum. That has been quite an adventure – full of roars and stomps and reptiles. Raising a child on “the spectrum” is something I know a little about. Although a lot of the time, I’m just fumbling through, too. But I want to share what I do know with those who are just beginning their journey.
I have a husband who is amazing, but who can’t sleep more than 4 hours at a time. Sleep apnea is a mean beast, you guys. I don’t know how he does it.
I have two rescued pit bulls. One thinks he’s a lap dog (he weighs 70 pounds). The other thinks she’s a shadow. They’re hilarious (mostly).
I have a brother-in-law who lives with us. He’s 27. That’s a loooong story.
So, hats? Yup, I’ve got a lot of them. I mostly juggle them. Sometimes I drop them. Hard. But they’re important, so I pick ‘em back up and dust ‘em off.
And since we’re on the subject of a perfectly imperfect life, I’ll admit that I don’t know it all.
But I love learning (which might be why I became a teacher). And I love reading (which might be why I love books). And I love my family (which might be why I understand the feeling of being overwhelmed that so many moms feel). And I love God (which might be why I think it’s important to never stop searching and sifting for the truth).
Eventually…
I realize that these posts are more the ramblings of my mind and the baring of my soul. They’re not terribly helpful. There are no 5-steps to being perfect or awesome or totally put together. Seriously, I don’t know if you can boil it down to a 5-step system. If I figure it out, you’ll be the second to know!
But in the midst of the journey, eventually, I’ll find a direction. Isn’t that how life usually works?
And in between will be the meanderings and soul-searching and grit of living a real life. I’d be honored if you’d join me.