Imperfection

I have earned every single imperfection! I am flawed, I am human. There are scars, both physical and below the surface and they make me exactly who I am at this moment.
Real life, life with meaning and more joy than can be imagined, comes from imperfections. The greatest stories are not about how a planned event went as planned. The greatest stories can be found when we laugh until we cry at the complete disasters. When I say that everything went exactly as it was supposed to, I do not mean that I have a checklist on a clipboard and that the day went according to that list. That simply would not be exciting enough or funny enough for me.
I think that we should all appreciate these imperfections all the more. My imperfects help to tell my story. When I was very young, I was so sure that I was supposed to be striving for perfection. Now I can see that perfect has an entirely different meaning. I still rub my hand on my chest in amazement. When I took Anatomy years ago, we looked at imperfections as a bad thing. I don't remember seeing a flaw and being told it was a great flaw. I rub my chest again. I was born with an imperfect heart. I have had many imperfect moments in life because of this, but have managed quite well.
At approximately 11:45am, a surgeon caused me to have a cardiac event, located my flaw and then burned my heart muscle. The imperfect pathway grew back during surgery and he burned it again. I know exactly what this looks like on a cadaver. I know that it would be described with a very serious and stern face. For me, this section of dead heart muscle has given me the greatest gift of all. I love this new flaw! I love the joy I have felt since the day I received it! Because of this series of flaws, not only am I unique, but I am able to continue to find joy and love for another day. I am able to appreciate life as more than a list to be checked off. I am able to love others and enjoy another laugh.
I have scars that remind me that some decisions are not wise. I have some that remind me of funny stories. I even have one that reminds me that I am loved. I have some that remind me that I am not replaceable. Life is not a video game. I don't get to just start over with a brand new character if I wipe out. Life is much better. It offers the opportunity to find that silver lining and to grow with experience.
I am so grateful to everyone who has been supporting me in my new adventure. I am so grateful to be loved by so many, imperfections and all!