We don’t have to be perfect to be lovable.That is one of the greatest lessons we can learn in life.
I’m sure there are plenty of people in our society who would scoff and dismiss this talk of love as “touchy-feely” hogwash. We live in a competitive world, they would say. We have to be tough and on our guard.
I certainly agree we live in challenging times, times that call for innovation, focused effort and teamwork. And creativity and cooperation simply do not thrive in an atmosphere of fault-finding, finger pointing and people trying to feed their egos at the expense of others.
So one of the greatest gifts we can give to the world is to notice when we’re harshly criticizing ourselves and others and instead start cultivating an atmosphere of compassion and respect. As the famous quote of Mahatma Gandhi says, “We must be the change we want in the world.” Every day brings us plenty of opportunities to do it.
For a related posts see Happiness, the Purpose of Life? and (on my other blog) The Greatest Teachers.
“We must be the change we want in the world.” — this is a lovely saying very motivational… being a human and a part of Organization 2.0 I totally agree with you… “So one of the greatest gifts we can give to the world is to notice when we’re harshly criticizing ourselves and others and instead start cultivating an atmosphere of compassion and respect.”… very well said… 🙂
I appreciate how you started off the article with the invitation to look at how we don’t have to be perfect to be lovable. I actually think it is the things we hold as the “imperfections” in us that make us loveable. When I see someone’s vulnerability, struggle or even suffering, my heart opens.
There is a wonderful expression and practice in Japanese called Wabi-Sabi: the beauty in imperfection.
Just want to say I really enjoy your web site. Lot’s of great info, and in a world where we are surrounded by too much negativity, your site is an inspiration. Keep up the good work!
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I remember Fred Rogers telling me one afternoon, when I was about 9, that it is our differences that made the world a vibrant and wonderful world. I don’t think of it as imperfections but individuality. I THANK GOD that I am not like other people; that I am unique, imperfect.
Thanks for the great comment, BigMike. And thanks for the reminder about Mr. Rogers. It still warms my heart to think of him.
Just found your blog and am subscribing this instant! Love this post, but mostly it’s so nice to find a breath of fresh air in the blogosphere. It is so important to take moments to breathe and look inside, amidst the hurrying and scurrying.
Thank you!
~Z
Zura,
Thank you! You made my day. 🙂
What a wonderful blog. Thank you for such a positive find.
bettys last blog post..The Period Talk
betty,
Thank you! As I’ve mentioned, I love your blog, too.
Very good post – not only because I enjoyed it but also because it gave me food for thought. Your post just sparked an idea for a woodworking project I’ve been contemplating. Thank you so much.
Stumbled it!
John,
Thank you!
oh monk. is that an adorable picture or what!
and i too, loved mr rogers. i remember singing
along with him as he changed his suit jacket to
a sweater. what a dear, dear man.
we make it so hard, don’t we?
and you and your lovely blog are helping to bring
it back to what it should be.
love, ( i never feel bad about saying it!)
tammy j