How many times a day do you think of yourself as a failure? How often do you throw your creative work in the trash? Maybe it is time to learn the art of imperfection. Too many of us strive to be perfect. Perfection cannot be achieved. Even the best works of art have mistakes.
In Japan, some craftsmen practice the art of 500-year-old art of Kintsugi which involves repairing broken ceramic pieces with a lacquer that is mixed with gold, silver or platinum. We should not simply throw things away because they are broken or imperfect. We need to find the beauty in the imperfection. We need to celebrate imperfection. Our imperfections are what make us unique and special. Without our imperfections, we would not be who we are.So, the next time that you want to wad up your writing and toss it in the waste basket, don't. Put it aside and come back to it on another day. Learn to find the good within your creative work. Learn to celebrate the imperfections. Honor your mistakes.
Here is a video that provides more background on the philosophy and history of Kintsugi.
