Comments on: My "Imperfect" Decision http://www.messycanvas.com/2009/01/my-imperfect-decision/ Free to embrace the Imperfect and call it an Art. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:22:37 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: I’ve Become Messy! | Messy Canvas http://www.messycanvas.com/2009/01/my-imperfect-decision/comment-page-1/#comment-7855 I’ve Become Messy! | Messy Canvas Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:50:01 +0000 http://messycanvas.com/?p=400#comment-7855 [...] 2012. But that’s for another post. I have picked a word for my life for four years now. FREE. IMPERFECT. CHILDLIKE. MESSY. My fifth year is coming up. What I have to come realize is that we get to step [...] [...] 2012. But that’s for another post. I have picked a word for my life for four years now. FREE. IMPERFECT. CHILDLIKE. MESSY. My fifth year is coming up. What I have to come realize is that we get to step [...]

]]> By: Revisiting IMPERFECTion | Messy Canvas http://www.messycanvas.com/2009/01/my-imperfect-decision/comment-page-1/#comment-2273 Revisiting IMPERFECTion | Messy Canvas Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:46:33 +0000 http://messycanvas.com/?p=400#comment-2273 [...] Awhile back I was put into an awkward situation. I am still not quite sure whether I made it awkward or if it was just the environment I was in that was awkward. Either way, I was left feeling out of place, not myself, uncomfortable. After the awkward situation was over, it actually took me a few days to process and recover from it. During those few days, I had to re-think everything I have learned during 2009 about being IMPERFECT. For those of you who are new to my blog, I selected the word IMPERFECT as my word for this year. You can read more about that here. [...] [...] Awhile back I was put into an awkward situation. I am still not quite sure whether I made it awkward or if it was just the environment I was in that was awkward. Either way, I was left feeling out of place, not myself, uncomfortable. After the awkward situation was over, it actually took me a few days to process and recover from it. During those few days, I had to re-think everything I have learned during 2009 about being IMPERFECT. For those of you who are new to my blog, I selected the word IMPERFECT as my word for this year. You can read more about that here. [...]

]]> By: Passion Renewed | Messy Canvas http://www.messycanvas.com/2009/01/my-imperfect-decision/comment-page-1/#comment-1948 Passion Renewed | Messy Canvas Wed, 12 Aug 2009 21:38:00 +0000 http://messycanvas.com/?p=400#comment-1948 [...] God relates to them and works through them. I’m passionate about this topic of IMPERECTion (for obvious reasons) so I think this helps me be passionate about my time in the Bible as well. Also, I’m [...] [...] God relates to them and works through them. I’m passionate about this topic of IMPERECTion (for obvious reasons) so I think this helps me be passionate about my time in the Bible as well. Also, I’m [...]

]]> By: Finding Rest in You. | Messy Canvas http://www.messycanvas.com/2009/01/my-imperfect-decision/comment-page-1/#comment-1549 Finding Rest in You. | Messy Canvas Tue, 14 Apr 2009 05:59:54 +0000 http://messycanvas.com/?p=400#comment-1549 [...] got to be careful when you pick a word for the year. I knew this going in. And I knew my word IMPERFECT was going to be a daunting word in some ways. [...] [...] got to be careful when you pick a word for the year. I knew this going in. And I knew my word IMPERFECT was going to be a daunting word in some ways. [...]

]]> By: The Ugly, IMPERFECT Confession & The Creative, FREEing Hope | Messy Canvas http://www.messycanvas.com/2009/01/my-imperfect-decision/comment-page-1/#comment-1406 The Ugly, IMPERFECT Confession & The Creative, FREEing Hope | Messy Canvas Thu, 26 Mar 2009 05:11:04 +0000 http://messycanvas.com/?p=400#comment-1406 [...] last nite I was thinking I needed to write another post specifically pertaining to my word for 2009, IMPERFECT. And then, I had the audacity to think, well darn, everything seems pretty perfect right [...] [...] last nite I was thinking I needed to write another post specifically pertaining to my word for 2009, IMPERFECT. And then, I had the audacity to think, well darn, everything seems pretty perfect right [...]

]]> By: Sherry http://www.messycanvas.com/2009/01/my-imperfect-decision/comment-page-1/#comment-1284 Sherry Wed, 04 Mar 2009 04:41:11 +0000 http://messycanvas.com/?p=400#comment-1284 Mandy, you echo the frustration so many feel with their lives. There are only 24 hours in a day and if you are a parent it feels like you need 48 to get it all done. I've reached the grandma stage finally, but after raising 3 on my own your words resonate with my own feelings during those years. I finally came to the conclusion that I would never achieve perfect. So imperfect or not, good enough became my key phrase. Mandy, you echo the frustration so many feel with their lives. There are only 24 hours in a day and if you are a parent it feels like you need 48 to get it all done. I’ve reached the grandma stage finally, but after raising 3 on my own your words resonate with my own feelings during those years. I finally came to the conclusion that I would never achieve perfect. So imperfect or not, good enough became my key phrase.

]]> By: Natalie @ I AM (not) http://www.messycanvas.com/2009/01/my-imperfect-decision/comment-page-1/#comment-1238 Natalie @ I AM (not) Thu, 19 Feb 2009 19:11:58 +0000 http://messycanvas.com/?p=400#comment-1238 We're trackin' on the same train. (I totally made up that metaphor, but it works.) We’re trackin’ on the same train. (I totally made up that metaphor, but it works.)

]]> By: Erics http://www.messycanvas.com/2009/01/my-imperfect-decision/comment-page-1/#comment-980 Erics Sun, 11 Jan 2009 08:19:11 +0000 http://messycanvas.com/?p=400#comment-980 Thanks for posting that. I can so relate. Our house needs serious cleaning. There's a briefcase sitting on clean laundry in a laundry basket by the front door. Argh. Thanks for posting that. I can so relate. Our house needs serious cleaning. There’s a briefcase sitting on clean laundry in a laundry basket by the front door. Argh.

]]> By: Vintagesquirrel http://www.messycanvas.com/2009/01/my-imperfect-decision/comment-page-1/#comment-972 Vintagesquirrel Fri, 09 Jan 2009 04:29:00 +0000 http://messycanvas.com/?p=400#comment-972 This was a wonderful post. I, too, go through those "mommy-ranting" times when I just lose my cool. I think we should all learn to embrace the 'Imperfect.' This was a wonderful post. I, too, go through those “mommy-ranting” times when I just lose my cool. I think we should all learn to embrace the ‘Imperfect.’

]]> By: erin http://www.messycanvas.com/2009/01/my-imperfect-decision/comment-page-1/#comment-969 erin Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:39:00 +0000 http://messycanvas.com/?p=400#comment-969 You're speaking my language! So happy that you're free to be imperfect! You’re speaking my language! So happy that you’re free to be imperfect!

]]> By: Di http://www.messycanvas.com/2009/01/my-imperfect-decision/comment-page-1/#comment-967 Di Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:00:00 +0000 http://messycanvas.com/?p=400#comment-967 The thing about all those things...all those "imperfections" especially in regards to your home and the children, is that when they've grown up, it will all seem so petty... so irrelevent.. so silly. I remember it being such a big deal at time... striving to be a perfect mum... wanting perfect kids.. why wouldn't they just tidy up when I asked? why was it a struggle to get Daniel to wear certain clothing items? And did it matter? Did it really matter? Of course not. I was doing it for some kind of misplaced recognition from others... not for me, not for my family.<br/><br/>I certainly wish I'd understood all of that at the time. I wished I'd embraced the imperfections of my life then. My biggest regret right now, when I look back on those precious, precious moments is that I made too much of everything. I strived too hard. I didn't embrace their "childishness" for what it was. I didn't love myself enough not to beat myself up everyday because I just couldn't seem to get up early enough to do my hair make-up etc.. before I took the kids to school.. I could go on.<br/><br/>I'm so excited that you recognise all of the imperfectness. It's life changing. I'm taking a leaf out of your book. I'm going to embrace the imperfections in my life now. *hugs* The thing about all those things…all those “imperfections” especially in regards to your home and the children, is that when they’ve grown up, it will all seem so petty… so irrelevent.. so silly. I remember it being such a big deal at time… striving to be a perfect mum… wanting perfect kids.. why wouldn’t they just tidy up when I asked? why was it a struggle to get Daniel to wear certain clothing items? And did it matter? Did it really matter? Of course not. I was doing it for some kind of misplaced recognition from others… not for me, not for my family.

I certainly wish I’d understood all of that at the time. I wished I’d embraced the imperfections of my life then. My biggest regret right now, when I look back on those precious, precious moments is that I made too much of everything. I strived too hard. I didn’t embrace their “childishness” for what it was. I didn’t love myself enough not to beat myself up everyday because I just couldn’t seem to get up early enough to do my hair make-up etc.. before I took the kids to school.. I could go on.

I’m so excited that you recognise all of the imperfectness. It’s life changing. I’m taking a leaf out of your book. I’m going to embrace the imperfections in my life now. *hugs*

]]> By: Angie &amp; Willy http://www.messycanvas.com/2009/01/my-imperfect-decision/comment-page-1/#comment-965 Angie &amp; Willy Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:14:00 +0000 http://messycanvas.com/?p=400#comment-965 wowee girl. you nailed one of my biggest imperfections with this one: This year I hope to not pretend I am perfect in an effort to be praised by others for my SUPER-WOMAN-ness. I would feel so FREE to let go of that effort to impress others and just work on being satisfied with myself! wowee girl. you nailed one of my biggest imperfections with this one: This year I hope to not pretend I am perfect in an effort to be praised by others for my SUPER-WOMAN-ness. I would feel so FREE to let go of that effort to impress others and just work on being satisfied with myself!

]]> By: Christy Wong http://www.messycanvas.com/2009/01/my-imperfect-decision/comment-page-1/#comment-962 Christy Wong Wed, 07 Jan 2009 06:23:00 +0000 http://messycanvas.com/?p=400#comment-962 Hi Mandy! I stumbled across your blog after a friend recommend it. I love your word for the year- so real and honest. What a great idea! I have been trying to decided upon a word for myself since I read your post. I think I am going with "commit" as there are many areas in my life that I need to commit to this year. I hope you don't mind if I follow your blog and put your link on my blog when I am explaining the word of the year concept. Thanks for sharing. Look forward to reading more! Hi Mandy! I stumbled across your blog after a friend recommend it. I love your word for the year- so real and honest. What a great idea! I have been trying to decided upon a word for myself since I read your post. I think I am going with “commit” as there are many areas in my life that I need to commit to this year. I hope you don’t mind if I follow your blog and put your link on my blog when I am explaining the word of the year concept. Thanks for sharing. Look forward to reading more!

]]> By: Melanie http://www.messycanvas.com/2009/01/my-imperfect-decision/comment-page-1/#comment-954 Melanie Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:13:00 +0000 http://messycanvas.com/?p=400#comment-954 That last comment was from me (aka "Elaine"). Long story. Sigh. Perfection is so hard. That last comment was from me (aka “Elaine”). Long story. Sigh. Perfection is so hard.

]]> By: Elaine http://www.messycanvas.com/2009/01/my-imperfect-decision/comment-page-1/#comment-953 Elaine Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:10:00 +0000 http://messycanvas.com/?p=400#comment-953 Are you telling me that photo wasn't art directed? I wish you'd written this post a long time ago so I wouldn't have spent so much time trying to be like who I thought YOU were!<br/><br/>Seriously, I have struggled with these same feelings since becoming a mom, really, but especially since becoming a digital scrapbooker. Isn't that strange? It's such a surreal world sometimes. Everything mostly looks all pretty and tidy and life--my life, at least--just isn't like that. I feel like I have to keep the real stories to myself most of the time.<br/><br/>I didn't realize that your word for last year was freedom when I chose that for myself but I'm so looking forward to spending time with you and all these other people as we share our struggles and celebrate our victories. Here's to FREEDOM *and* IMPERFECTION! Are you telling me that photo wasn’t art directed? I wish you’d written this post a long time ago so I wouldn’t have spent so much time trying to be like who I thought YOU were!

Seriously, I have struggled with these same feelings since becoming a mom, really, but especially since becoming a digital scrapbooker. Isn’t that strange? It’s such a surreal world sometimes. Everything mostly looks all pretty and tidy and life–my life, at least–just isn’t like that. I feel like I have to keep the real stories to myself most of the time.

I didn’t realize that your word for last year was freedom when I chose that for myself but I’m so looking forward to spending time with you and all these other people as we share our struggles and celebrate our victories. Here’s to FREEDOM *and* IMPERFECTION!

]]> By: deleise http://www.messycanvas.com/2009/01/my-imperfect-decision/comment-page-1/#comment-951 deleise Tue, 06 Jan 2009 03:15:00 +0000 http://messycanvas.com/?p=400#comment-951 I love this post, Mandy! <br/><br/>But for real, couldn't you have not looked so cute in your "imperfect" picture? You can't not look cute, can ya? It's ok. You can't help it. I love this post, Mandy!

But for real, couldn’t you have not looked so cute in your “imperfect” picture? You can’t not look cute, can ya? It’s ok. You can’t help it.

]]> By: Sara http://www.messycanvas.com/2009/01/my-imperfect-decision/comment-page-1/#comment-950 Sara Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:54:00 +0000 http://messycanvas.com/?p=400#comment-950 That is a powerful word. Something I definitely need to work on accepting in myself also. I am looking forward to traveling with you on your journey and definitely looking forward to Angry Noodles. I have been inspired to pick a word this year also. I'm still thinking, but am looking forward to it. That is a powerful word. Something I definitely need to work on accepting in myself also. I am looking forward to traveling with you on your journey and definitely looking forward to Angry Noodles. I have been inspired to pick a word this year also. I’m still thinking, but am looking forward to it.

]]> By: Launa http://www.messycanvas.com/2009/01/my-imperfect-decision/comment-page-1/#comment-949 Launa Mon, 05 Jan 2009 18:52:00 +0000 http://messycanvas.com/?p=400#comment-949 Ok, so I'm another one! You read my mind! How often do I try to "create" myself like I create everything else! I know this group is going to be so good for me. Thanks for getting the ball rolling, being honest and stepping out to lead! I am so blessed by how the Lord is using you. It's only going to get better :D Ok, so I’m another one! You read my mind! How often do I try to “create” myself like I create everything else! I know this group is going to be so good for me. Thanks for getting the ball rolling, being honest and stepping out to lead! I am so blessed by how the Lord is using you. It’s only going to get better :D

]]> By: Laurel http://www.messycanvas.com/2009/01/my-imperfect-decision/comment-page-1/#comment-947 Laurel Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:24:00 +0000 http://messycanvas.com/?p=400#comment-947 mandy, it's such a gift to know you. seriously. like a lot of others, i feel like this post could have come from me as well -- i feel the same way so often! thank you for being brave and sharing this with the 'blogging world' and giving strength and courage to others who are in your same position. what great inspiration for the new year. mandy, it’s such a gift to know you. seriously. like a lot of others, i feel like this post could have come from me as well — i feel the same way so often! thank you for being brave and sharing this with the ‘blogging world’ and giving strength and courage to others who are in your same position. what great inspiration for the new year.

]]> By: The Knedler Clan http://www.messycanvas.com/2009/01/my-imperfect-decision/comment-page-1/#comment-946 The Knedler Clan Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:48:00 +0000 http://messycanvas.com/?p=400#comment-946 I was just thinking about you this morning while I was getting ready for work and how you pick a word for the year. Then saw this post! <br/><br/>I think another word to go along with it would be FORGIVENESS. Forgive yourself or not being perfect or what you thought you'd be. Forgive your kids for making a mess and yourself for yelling at them. Your post is me most days of the week as long as the kids are awake;) <br/><br/>God didn't want any of us to be perfect or this would be a boring life. I was just thinking about you this morning while I was getting ready for work and how you pick a word for the year. Then saw this post!

I think another word to go along with it would be FORGIVENESS. Forgive yourself or not being perfect or what you thought you’d be. Forgive your kids for making a mess and yourself for yelling at them. Your post is me most days of the week as long as the kids are awake;)

God didn’t want any of us to be perfect or this would be a boring life.

]]> By: Amber S. http://www.messycanvas.com/2009/01/my-imperfect-decision/comment-page-1/#comment-945 Amber S. Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:04:00 +0000 http://messycanvas.com/?p=400#comment-945 Sweet! This is something I've written down in my journal too that I need FREEdom from. In fact just last night in bed I was thinking that I want to post pics of me in the morning with no makeup and crazy hair (along with some of the way my house looks when I'm NOT decorating for a holiday party, and my kids before I get them all dressed for church!!!!!! YAY for imperfection!!!!<br/>And your picture is still gorgeous!!! Sweet! This is something I’ve written down in my journal too that I need FREEdom from. In fact just last night in bed I was thinking that I want to post pics of me in the morning with no makeup and crazy hair (along with some of the way my house looks when I’m NOT decorating for a holiday party, and my kids before I get them all dressed for church!!!!!! YAY for imperfection!!!!
And your picture is still gorgeous!!!

]]> By: Caroline http://www.messycanvas.com/2009/01/my-imperfect-decision/comment-page-1/#comment-944 Caroline Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:00:00 +0000 http://messycanvas.com/?p=400#comment-944 How can this blogpost just come in a moment where I am struggling with my own imperfection. You are not alone Mandy, I am not alone, and yay for the lifegroup. I found myself in reading your post. This inspired me to go and reorganize my thoughts and change some points of view :-) How can this blogpost just come in a moment where I am struggling with my own imperfection. You are not alone Mandy, I am not alone, and yay for the lifegroup. I found myself in reading your post. This inspired me to go and reorganize my thoughts and change some points of view :-)

]]> By: evan http://www.messycanvas.com/2009/01/my-imperfect-decision/comment-page-1/#comment-943 evan Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:40:00 +0000 http://messycanvas.com/?p=400#comment-943 such a good choice for this year. everything you wrote here i can relate to. everything. thank you for your honesty. love to you today! such a good choice for this year. everything you wrote here i can relate to. everything. thank you for your honesty. love to you today!

]]> By: cdwalker247 http://www.messycanvas.com/2009/01/my-imperfect-decision/comment-page-1/#comment-942 cdwalker247 Mon, 05 Jan 2009 12:57:00 +0000 http://messycanvas.com/?p=400#comment-942 And the really scary cool thing about imperfect is that God always uses the imperfect to display His glory. Prepare to be used by God. And the really scary cool thing about imperfect is that God always uses the imperfect to display His glory. Prepare to be used by God.

]]> By: decarter http://www.messycanvas.com/2009/01/my-imperfect-decision/comment-page-1/#comment-941 decarter Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:04:00 +0000 http://messycanvas.com/?p=400#comment-941 Love this. <br/><br/>Thank you for expressing what every mom out there feels... isn't it freeing to finally just say it? Love this.

Thank you for expressing what every mom out there feels… isn’t it freeing to finally just say it?

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