Give Thanks for Imperfect People
Two magical events converged this weekend, our 28th wedding anniversary and the first wedding from among our close friends' sons and daughters. Among the dancing and celebrating, I had time to look out at the ocean and reflect.
The beauty of both these events was not just that they were nearly perfect, but rather that they were the result of intertwined relationships between imperfect people.
Looking around at dozens of people I've known for many years, it comforted me to think about how well we all know each others' strengths, weaknesses, ambitions and fears.
For example, perhaps one of our many friends drinks a little too much, but another should drink a little bit more... or just learn to chill out a tad more.
Name any quality - confidence, aptitude, talent, attractiveness, generosity, or empathy - and we stretch across a wide spectrum. All of us excel in a few areas and are weak in others.
But our paths continue to cross. I don't just mean those of us who are married. I mean our whole network of friends and family. This is because we accept each other for who we are.
If you wait for perfection, you will never have strong personal or business relationships. No one is perfect. No one comes close. (Are you tempted to name a celebrity? Stop... that just means s/he has a very good press agent.)
If you desire incredibly meaningful human relationships, you must not only accept but also embrace human imperfections.
If you desire to lead others, or simply work well with them, you must do the same.
That's why late on Saturday night, I left the wedding tent and walked out on the adjacent dock. There, I said a few words of gratitude for imperfect people. Together, we bring each other much joy and beauty. Together, we make the world a spectacular place.
If you liked this article, you might enjoy my Kindle book, How to Self-Promote without Being a Jerk. The book describes the philosophy I use to power my own career and life, which is based around this sentence:
Be generous and kind, trustworthy and clear, open-minded and adaptable, persistent and present.
I ghostwrite articles for entrepreneurs. Learn more at Kasanoff.com.
Outside Sales at Polymershapes
9 年I think it's ironic that everything comes down to relationships and yet they are the thing we struggle with most. Thanks for the perspective!
Business Manager at Brovelli Architecture + Construction
9 年A true friend is someone who knows all your faults and love you anyways. I am thankful for true friends. Congratulations on being married to a true friend for 28 years. What a gift!
Writer | Google Career Digital Marketing & E-Commerce | digital marketing | Content Writer | Marketing Specialist
9 年Very effective.
Maintenance Labor/ Cleaning Specialist
9 年In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. He made man his most prosperous creature. Then He went to a large perspective of what he was doing. He gave it all that was good. He understood that everything would not be perfect, because it was good. Your ideas are good. So your effort will make you perfect if you can continue without giving up this means you have done the best that you could. All that, Congratulations on your 28th anniversary!!
Open to work
9 年simple yet mindful