I have always thought about people living perfect lives with perfect hair, perfect skin, the perfect wardrobe and the perfect family. I have always thought about how wonderful it is to be on that side of the fence where the living is easy and everything is always ripe for the picking. I look at these people, follow them on their social media accounts or read their accounts online. It must be so fabulous to be these people! It must be so nice to not have problems AT ALL.
And then I got to know some of these perfect people and they became my friends and I became privy to their hurts and struggles. Most importantly, I became a part of the celebrations and victories too.
My realization? Perfection is all a matter of perception. What’s not perfect for one maybe perfect for others. The grass is always greener and all that jazz. We all struggle, some just struggle with more poise and grace (I don’t, bargas ako e !) We all have our own versions of happiness.
But beyond perfection it is gratitude that trumps all. Counting blessings is a habit that I have yet to master. Being a natural pessimist, the latter really is out of character for me but because I am now a mom, I have to model for my kids. I want them to know that life is good and beautiful and yes super messy. It is the messy that makes life challenging and worth living. We get cracks and wrinkles and victories and disappointments. We stumble and fall but we always should rise up and learn. There will always be others who have it all figured out. But hey we’re one of them too 🙂
Michelle says
June 2, 2014 at 7:29 amFunny how perception can change everything, no, Nevs? Perception, Gratitude, Thankfulness. Life isn’t “perfect.” Yes, this much I have learned. But rolling with the punches and making that lemonade (or the vodka lemonade as some would say) out of the lemons is a choice. And like you-I choose happiness. And Gratitude. And Thankfulness. And when i can’t choose that, I lean on my friends and my family to help me get through it. xo for Noah.
neva santos says
June 2, 2014 at 9:43 amagree mish. it’s still a habit that i’m getting used to. it’s so easy to just be negative and complain and rant but it’s so heavy in the heart!!! i choose gratitude because it’s just a better way of living! see you soon!! hugs to the kids!
Jackie Go says
May 30, 2014 at 5:46 pmI love this post! That’s why I’m all for happiness. But it doesn’t mean everything is perfect just because happiness beams on us like sun rays 🙂 I always love waking up with a grateful heart as it sets my mood to being happy immediately. TGIF Mutherbells!
neva santos says
June 2, 2014 at 9:42 amthanks jackie!! you are one of the most positive people i know and i am learning so much from you. pa-send na lang ng good vibes when i need some haha 😀 see you soon!