10 Things I Would Rather Be Than 'Perfect' | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

10 Things I Would Rather Be Than 'Perfect'

There's a lot of pressure to be perfect in this world. Here's a list of things I'd rather spend my time trying to do.

154
10 Things I Would Rather Be Than 'Perfect'
Original Photo Courtesy of Emily Swartzer

I don't know about you, but I feel A LOT of pressure from society to be one way or another. Sometimes, I feel the pressure in my career field and collegiate experience to figure out what exactly I want to do for the rest of my life or in my day-to-day routine to look "pretty enough" and to wear the "right" clothes. But, I think the way society affects me the most in terms of perfection are body image. I feel so pressured by society and my eating disorder to have the "perfect body," which is honestly just bullshit. We are more, so much more than our bodies, so I've compiled a list of all the things I would rather be than perfect.

1. Kind

When people see me in the hallway or talk about me, I want them to describe me as kind. I want others to come to me unafraid of judgement or malice. It is so important to me that others feel welcome and safe in my presence, because many people are fighting battles I know nothing about. Just imagine how awesome society would be if we all had this mindset and practiced being a bit more kind to one another.

2. Gentle

Working with horses this summer has taught me how to be gentle. I think it is so important to be gentle not only to animals, but to people as well. I have found that being gentle with all creatures creates a calm and trustful environment, which allows great relationships to form. One of my favorite things about my job is when I stand next to a horse and gently stroke his head; it's like I can feel his love, and he can feel mine--it's truly an incredible feeling.

3. Honest

I have a very deep respect for people who are honest all the time. I tend to trust people who are honest, because I know they'll tell me if something looks good or bad on me, and, more importantly, I know that they'll tell me if I am starting to display behaviors of an eating disorder. I always try to be honest, because I think it is the best policy, and I wouldn't want people to think I am not able to be trusted.

4. Open-Minded

I want to be open-minded because I know that if I have an open mind, I will be able to learn and experience many things. I've been lucky enough to travel, but my experiences would not have been nearly as valuable as if I went with a closed mind, because I would not have experienced new cultures, languages and activities.

5. A Representation of Jesus

Jesus loves everyone, including sinners. He welcomes everyone including the misfits and outcasts and always make sure to let people know that they are enough, just the way they are. I really can't think of anything better than that: being loving, welcoming and accepting towards others, without needing them to be perfect in every way.

6. Compassionate

I want to take care of the Earth, as well as the people and animals who live on it, and I can do that by showing them compassion. Whether my action is to pick up trash off of the ground or hug someone who is going through difficult times, being compassionate allows me to be a good person and spread love to any living thing.

7. Selfless

I want to do things to better the Earth and those around me. I also want to show my friends and family how much I care about them, and I can do that by being selfless. I can give up some of my personal time to help clean up around the house, buy a friend coffee or even donate my money to a good cause. I want to do things for the good of others because I think it is important to live for things greater than just our own selves.

8. Hard-Working

I want to be a woman who works hard for everything she has got. I can imagine nothing more satisfying than working hard and one day looking back on my life lovingly knowing that my hard work paved the way for successes.

9. Intelligent

I don't want to ever stop learning; I want to wake up everyday with a desire to fill my mind with new things. Learning gives me such joy because it helps me to keep an open mind. Honestly, one of the greatest compliments someone could give me is to compliment my brain, not my body.

10. Empathetic

Empathy is so, so important. Empathy allows us to connect with one another on a deeper level, and it allows us to really feel what the other person is going through. When a close friend or family member is going through a tough time, I want to be empathetic towards them. I want them to feel validated in what they are going through, but to also know that they are not alone. Empathy allows me to do just that.

It is so important to have our own reasons for things we would rather be than perfect. This list helps me to remember that even when society tells me I am not perfect, I have many things I would rather be than perfect. I challenge you to make a list similar to mine, and, when you're feeling down, pull it out to remind yourself that even though you may not be perfect, you're still pretty damn awesome.
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190429
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

15028
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457948
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26687
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments