“I tend to want every person to embody the best of humanity—for all of us to be givers and builders and dreamers. That’s not reality. At different seasons in life, we each fall into various categories. Even still, every one of us also has a strong behavioral tendency, and that is okay. I’m coming to terms with the fact that so-called perfection—this idea that everything should be beautiful and in order at all times—is just not going to happen.”
Alicia Keys, More Myself (Page 254)
Beyond the Quote (Day 386)
And as she says in her song, Authors of Forever, “Wherever you are, it’s alright / Whoever you are, it’s alright.” It’s okay to be who you are, where you are on your journey. None of us are perfect and we all lead imperfect lives. Expect perfection from someone—anyone—and you’ll always end up disappointed. Expect imperfection and you’ll at least be able to meet people where they are. Disappointment leads to emotional distancing and separation. Understanding leads to emotional advancing and connection.
It’s easy to sit back and point out all of the wrong in the world. The wrong actions people are taking; the wrong paths they’re choosing; the wrong words they’re saying; the wrong beliefs they’re believing. But, how many times has it been the case that the wrong actions, paths, words, and beliefs were precisely what lead them (you) to the right ones? For, where does good judgement even come from? Bad judgement remembered.
It’s hard—almost impossibly hard—to truly understand why a person thinks, feels, and acts the way they do. But, I suspect, if you had to live their life and had their parents, upbringing, characteristics, imperfections, experiences, and predispositions—you would probably end up in a very similar place. We’re all doing the best we know how with what we’ve been given—I truly believe that. And when we learn how to accept the imperfection that undeniably weaves through each of our lives and strings us all together, maybe we can better embrace the space between us—’cause it’s alright.
This post became the introduction for: 37 Stunning Alicia Keys Quotes from More Myself on Living Authenticity
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