"You are allowed to be a masterpiece and a work in progress, simultaneously." - Sophia Bush
I've been ruminating on this quote ever since I heard it. I'll share my thoughts, but I would love to hear yours too.
For years, I was a perfectionist. I was relentless. I didn't want to put my work out into the world unless it was perfect, I didn't want to share my thoughts unless I could deliver them perfectly, I didn't feel like I should even really show up or take space unless I could do so 'perfectly'.
And then one day it hit me. I was stopping myself from pursuing passions before I even really started, I would bite my tongue and go unheard even if I had something I wanted to say, and a part of me, a really big part of me actually, just wanted to be seen and accepted for who I was...imperfect as that may be.
I'm not perfect (whatever that means). But I've come to the realization in these past few years that I'm worthy of being seen. I have this ideal/higher version of myself that I aspire to be, and it's daily practice to move towards that, and I think it will be for the rest of my life.
So I'm a work in progress, but I'm no longer waiting to show up, be seen or be heard. I'm worthy now.
That's my take on it anyway.
And of course as a portrait photographer I've heard resistance about getting your portraits taken, everything from weight, age, not having the 'right' wardrobe, etc... but really sit with this for a while...those things do not determine your worth. You are worthy of taking up space, being seen, existing in a photograph. You can be on your journey and still own and celebrate where you are and who you are in this moment.
