Impossible Perfection

I am not perfect.

I can not and will not ever be perfect.

I am not accurate, exact, or correct in every detail.

I am not without flaws, defects, or shortcomings.

And I am not excellent or complete beyond improvement.

Therefore, I am not perfect.  I know that I will never be perfect. But some people seem to think that I can reach perfection. My dad, my teachers, my coach, and my old friends don’t seem to realize that I can not and will not ever be perfect.

Erika, your rooms a mess, how can you even walk in here?

Erika, you forgot to clean the basement.
Erika, how can you be so irresponsible?

Erika, you need to get your priorities straight.

I’m sorry Dad. But I am not perfect. I am not accurate, exact or correct in every detail. I can not and will not ever be perfect.

Erika, you need to keep your grades up.
Erika, only two more years until college, time to think about your life.
Erika, we have a test next week, study hard.

Erika, you’re doing well, but I know you can do so much better.
I’m sorry Teachers. But I am not perfect. I am not without flaws, defects, or shortcomings. I can not and will not ever be perfect.

Erika, you have so much potential. You just need to work harder.

Erika, hit the ball. That’s all I need you to do is hit the ball.
Erika, just pitch like you can and you’ll be fine.
Erika, don’t think. We don’t pay you to think. Just do it.
I’m sorry Coach. But I am not perfect. I am not excellent or complete beyond improvement.  I can not and will not ever be perfect.

Erika, we need to hang out more. You’re always so busy.
Erika, stop worrying about him. Move on.
Erika, why can’t you just stop for two seconds?

Erika, that’s not fair and you know it. You’re such a hypocrite.
I’m sorry Nick, Julia, and Devin. But I am not perfect. I can not and will not ever be perfect.

I am a teenager. I have fallen, I have been hurt, I have had my heart broken,  I have lost friends, I’ve felt sadness, I’ve felt anger, I’ve felt scared, and I have felt helpless.

Because of this I have been scarred, scraped, bruised, and broken. These are my imperfections. These reasons are what keep me from being accurate, exact, or correct in every detail. These reasons are what make up my flaws, defects, and shortcomings. These reasons are what keep me from being excellent and complete beyond improvement. I’m sorry, but this is why I can not and will not ever be perfect.