Empowerment: 3 Ways to Embrace Your Imperfections

my world • Leaving a Legacy • lifestyle • health-wellness

by Tammy Kling on July 10th, 2011 | No Comments »

Empowerment—During the summer I find myself checking the mirror for imperfections on a daily basis. Taking the kids to the pool. Wearing a bikini (gasp). Why is it I see only the flaws?

Nothing is perfect. But what if I embraced imperfection instead of obsessing over it? This same principle applies to life. In the course of trials, I've discovered that Sometimes plan B is better than plan A. Adaptability and resilience is the key.

Joyce Meyers wrote in her book Managing Your Emotions that "the woman Is the thermometer in the home." I love that imagery because it affirms that we are empowered to change the way we think, and the way our home feels. How we think, feel, and manage stress will impact our families.
But what happens when life is not in alignment with your expectations?

How To Overcome and Embrace Your Imperfections

A newlywed friend said to me "all he does is sit on the couch and watch sports at night. That's not what I expected!" These actions made her feel unloved, distant, and unappreciated. She voiced her opinion, loudly and angrily. But he hasn't changed. What are her options?

Option 1: Expect imperfection.

Embrace the unexpected, even when people let you down. We are all just human. This isn't about being a doormat, but about giving grace! What if you failed, and the people around you loved you anyways? If we are willing to embrace imperfection, even the very worst betrayal or curve ball, can transform into something great.

A friend discovered his wife was being unfaithful after he found a letter another guy had written her. This action devastated him. But I was amazed in the year to follow, at his attitude and resilience as he sought counseling, and fought anger and bitterness. They're still married, and the trial seemed to bind them closer, in an honest and joyful union. He says he learned that "anything is possible," including restoration.

Option 2: Expect the unexpected. Don't be so rigid in your thinking.

The author Vic Pynn, who wrote the book Anything is Possible,says that if we have no boundaries on what happiness looks like, and are willing to bend, embrace curveballs, forgive mistakes, and reinvent ourselves, that a greater life is possible.

Option 3: Be willing to change.

A friend lost her job in the dental industry, and I encouraged her to seek employment in sales, anywhere. She argued that she had a long dental resume! But her gift was connecting with people. Today shes the top sales person for a publishing company. What if your future looked totally different than it does today? Be open to whatever adventure life has to offer!

If your kids, or your mate, or your boss throws you a curve ball you weren't expecting, take time to think about it before reacting. Is there any way to use the situation to transform? How do you manage curve balls?

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Tammy Kling is a life coach, advocate for the homeless, and international author of 29 books including The Compass. Tammy is also the founderr of Write it Out, an organization that helps gang members, the homeless, and those living on the street write out their hopes & dreams via writers workshops, free journals and various other resources.