The Illusion of Perfection
Life is a dance of both failures and successes—each one shaping us in ways we can’t always see at the moment. We aren’t meant to be “perfect” in the mind’s eyes, which constantly toggle between right and wrong, black and white. This binary thinking makes true perfection impossible because contradictions will always exist.
Instead, let your heart be the guide. It bridges the body and mind, serving as your inner compass. When we align with our soul’s purpose, we naturally stop clinging to external validation—whether praise or criticism. We realize we can’t please everyone, and the best path forward is the one that feels true, safe, and respectful to both ourselves and those around us.
The Beauty of Imperfection
A beautiful example of this truth is the origin of Saturday Night Live. Originally expected to flop on its very first night, it became an iconic, decades-long success. While watching a documentary about its beginnings with my daughter, she pointed out something profound—often, the blunders are what make something great. They reveal our determination to keep going. Her words reminded me that the messy parts of life are just as important as the beautiful ones. When met with grace, they, too, become beautiful.
Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs
This reflection led me to examine the beliefs that keep us stuck. How often do we shrink back into old patterns simply because they feel safe? What would happen if we stopped giving so much power to the opinions of others—letting our hearts guide us with healthy boundaries—and stepped forward as magnets for what we truly desire? Even if it looks messy from the outside, we can trust that a more expansive, organized reality is waiting just beyond each brave step.
The Heyoka Wisdom: Walking Backwards to Move Forward
This is the medicine of the heyoka—the sacred clown of the Lakota tradition—who teaches that even a path that seems backward or upside down is still the path home. The real journey is about cultivating more love and compassion for where we are while trusting in the universal support and magnetic strength that help materialize the dreams of our hearts.
With that trust, we can release the self-sabotage that keeps us searching for reasons to stay small. Instead, we can step boldly into the full expression of who we are meant to be, knowing that every so-called failure is simply a stepping stone to something greater.