Are you tired of all the added flaws and imperfections that come with chronic conditions? Does it seem like every day there is something else that isn’t perfect?
There is so much emphasis on perfection, from looking perfect to maintaining perfect health. But unfortunately, when you have a chronic illness, it is easy to fixate on the imperfections in your life. After all, some imperfections may result from your condition, treatments or medications.
Embrace Your Imperfections
It’s easy to become preoccupied with our imperfections, but getting too wrapped up in these thoughts gets in the way of having a happy, meaning-filled life. In addition, focusing on your perceived flaws may result in increased feelings of failure or self-hatred, which never serves your wellness.
If you want the happy, meaning-filled life you deserve, embracing your imperfections is crucial. This is even more vital if you want to reclaim your life back from your chronic illness.
Positive Imperfections
Did you know that when you start embracing your imperfections, you start to see them in a positive light? Not only is this a side-effect of embracing them, but the truth is, there are positive aspects to our imperfections.
One of my clients has severe anxiety that makes some things very challenging, such as public speaking. The hidden side of her anxiety is that when she does speak to smaller groups, it is with an open and empathetic style. There is always space for empathy in this world.
Empathy is also something she can provide to herself as she deals with her condition. Empathy is always needed and is a great tool to have. It helps you show yourself grace while navigating your wellness journey.
Imperfections may also be more appealing than you realize. For example, when my lupus rash is mild, I want to hide or cover it up so no one notices, but it looks like a lovely rosy glow to most people. However, when you wear as much sun protection as I do, you typically don’t acquire a rosy glow.
Remember, everyone has imperfections; they are what make us human. While we may manage our symptoms, we cannot prevent certain aspects of our conditions, so don’t waste energy and emotions fighting what you can’t win.
Setting Yourself Free
Being so caught up in your imperfections can make you feel trapped, constantly under pressure to achieve the impossible goal of perfectionism. So why not set yourself free by embracing your flaws without the added pressure of expectations? Embracing imperfections is an easy way to lift some of the added weight and pressure you may feel to achieve society’s constantly changing expectations.
Refocus (on Yourself)
Trying to achieve the perfect body, mindset, or whatever it is prevents you from being who you are. You allow your authentic self to shine through when you stop chasing an ideal image that isn’t achievable. Letting your authentic self shine through removes unnecessary stressors triggering your chronic illness.
So, why not allow your real self to shine through and forget about being perfect? No one is perfect, not authentically, and that’s okay.
Healthier You
Living a life focused on your imperfections isn’t a healthy way to live. It affects your perception of things, which may cause you to make choices or do things you wouldn’t do if you weren’t fixated on your flaws.
Putting unrealistic expectations on yourself negatively impacts your health and may increase disease activity. To improve your overall wellness, why not embrace those flaws that make you who you are?
I know from experience that living with chronic conditions is hard. I also know that most chronic illnesses bring a whole new set of flaws to your life, even blaming yourself for not being well. So if you need help embracing your imperfections, or letting go of perfectionism to regain control of your life, let’s connect and get you back to living life beyond chronic illness. Supportegy Wellness provides chronic illness support through various proven ways, including chronic illness support groups.