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Are you someone that strives for perfection all round or just in some areas?

Many people find it difficult to know when something is ‘perfect enough’ to share, so they either hold back or take a long time trying to get it right first. And even when they do share, they feel badly about it.

What I don’t Share Often

I started sharing music publicly because I yielded to my husband’s nudging (read pestering). You see, I was on a healing journey from grief, and I found that my piano music helped me break the cycle of suppressing the pain.

When he heard the recordings in the apartment he began to say repeatedly, “you should share this”. Which over time became, “please share this”.

I resisted, repeatedly, for 2 main reasons:

– it was personal – music that came from alone time, sometimes with very raw and deep emotions.

– it was not perfect – because the first goal was not to produce music to share.

Once I thought of sharing, I shut down. My hurting heart could overlook my imperfect music notes, because the one thing my heart needed was soothing and comfort. Yet I felt that others would not accept the imperfections, they would focus on the mistakes.

I said “no”, repeatedly.

Until one day I gave in.

I decided I would only share in this fashion if I did not have to edit, and it could help people, despite my imperfection and brokenness.

To cut a long story short, many years later here you are, listening to music from a collection that is still very personal and still not perfect.

And to be very honest, what happened next is that I started sharing individual songs via email to individuals who came to mind. It was their feedback and encouragement that spurred me on.

Why am I sharing this now?

I remembered this short history as I reflected on whether I should include an obviously imperfect hymn to the playlist. The title is “Will your anchor hold?”.

What imperfections preoccupy your mind or prevent you from sharing your gifts or yourself? Could they be the blessing others need?

This may not resonate with you. Look around though. To whom could you express how they make a positive impact on you, or their world. You could very well be playing a role in releasing them from the need to be perfect, without even realizing it.

I appreciate you reading this, and that you are on this journey with me. Thank you.

Pick one.

Remember, take (self-)care.

Which part of this resonates with you? Could you encourage someone who struggles with imperfection? Please share it in the comments below.