“Perfectly Imperfect.
We have all heard that no two snowflakes are alike. Each snowflake takes the perfect form for the maximum efficiency and effectiveness for its journey. And while the universal force of gravity gives them a shared destination, the expansive space in the air gives each snowflake the opportunity to take their own path. They are on the same journey, but each takes a different path.
Along this gravity-driven journey, some snowflakes collide and damage each other, some collide and join together, some are influenced by wind... there are so many transitions and changes that take place along the journey of the snowflake. But, no matter what the transition, the snowflake always finds itself perfectly shaped for its journey.
I find parallels in nature to be a beautiful reflection of grand orchestration. One of these parallels is of snowflakes and us. We, too, are all headed in the same direction. We are being driven by a universal force to the same destination. We are all individuals taking different journeys and along our journey, we sometimes bump into each other, we cross paths, we become altered... we take different physical forms. But at all times we too are 100% perfectly imperfect. At every given moment we are absolutely perfect for what is required for our journey. I’m not perfect for your journey and you’re not perfect for my journey, but I’m perfect for my journey and you’re perfect for your journey. We’re heading to the same place, we’re taking different routes, but we’re both exactly perfect the way we are.
Think of what understanding this great orchestration could mean for relationships. Imagine interacting with others knowing that they too each share this parallel with the snowflake. Like you, they are headed to the same place and no matter what they may appear like to you, they have taken the perfect form for their journey. How strong our relationships would be if we could see and respect that we are all perfectly imperfect for our journey.” - Steve Maraboli
We have all heard that no two snowflakes are alike. Each snowflake takes the perfect form for the maximum efficiency and effectiveness for its journey. And while the universal force of gravity gives them a shared destination, the expansive space in the air gives each snowflake the opportunity to take their own path. They are on the same journey, but each takes a different path.
Along this gravity-driven journey, some snowflakes collide and damage each other, some collide and join together, some are influenced by wind... there are so many transitions and changes that take place along the journey of the snowflake. But, no matter what the transition, the snowflake always finds itself perfectly shaped for its journey.
I find parallels in nature to be a beautiful reflection of grand orchestration. One of these parallels is of snowflakes and us. We, too, are all headed in the same direction. We are being driven by a universal force to the same destination. We are all individuals taking different journeys and along our journey, we sometimes bump into each other, we cross paths, we become altered... we take different physical forms. But at all times we too are 100% perfectly imperfect. At every given moment we are absolutely perfect for what is required for our journey. I’m not perfect for your journey and you’re not perfect for my journey, but I’m perfect for my journey and you’re perfect for your journey. We’re heading to the same place, we’re taking different routes, but we’re both exactly perfect the way we are.
Think of what understanding this great orchestration could mean for relationships. Imagine interacting with others knowing that they too each share this parallel with the snowflake. Like you, they are headed to the same place and no matter what they may appear like to you, they have taken the perfect form for their journey. How strong our relationships would be if we could see and respect that we are all perfectly imperfect for our journey.” - Steve Maraboli
I am a Jersey Girl born and raised!
Salt water has run through my veins since birth. Almost every single childhood memory that I can conjure up is a sunny day at the shore with my mom, and that is where most of the photos of my early years were taken. I grew up with sand between my toes, saltwater in my hair, and shells in my hands. As a child I would search for shells with my mother and aunt Diana (Technically she's my mom's best friend... but that's irrelevant) on a regular basis. I'd pick up any shell that caught my eye and get upset when my mom told me I couldn't keep the broken ones. (This was necessary because no doubt if left to my own devices, I'd have more shells than I could ever carry) I remember sobbing when the tide washed away a shell that I wanted before I could get to it. In her efforts to console me, my aunt would say that the shell would be back some day and that I would surely get it then. Somehow this imaginary rain check agreement between myself and the lost shell calmed my worried five year old mind and I continued on with my search.
A couple of weeks ago, my mom and I decided to take a trip down the shore together (During the day) It was the most refreshing experience I have had in a while. Though I still go to the beach quite a bit, it has been a very long time since I have gone with just my mom. Since it is still the off season, we had the entire beach to ourselves and we were able to just walk in the sand together and look for shells. I noticed that the majority of the shells that I found were broken. but I also noticed that those same shells were some of the most beautiful shells that I have ever seen. I sat on the sand for a little while and just watched the waves after we finished our walk. I just sat and contemplated a lot of things; one of which being, the broken shells. once intact, and part of a living creature, these shells made their way from wherever they were when the sea creature they were a part of came about. Throughout their journey they got knocked around quite a bit by the tides, other animals, etc. the ocean chipped away at them as their made their way to the shore of Cape May NJ.
(Some people, mostly those who are more familiar with other places around the country/globe may argue that the Jersey shore is not as great as we NJ inhabitants believe it to be. For those people I have a very special hand gesture...)
Salt water has run through my veins since birth. Almost every single childhood memory that I can conjure up is a sunny day at the shore with my mom, and that is where most of the photos of my early years were taken. I grew up with sand between my toes, saltwater in my hair, and shells in my hands. As a child I would search for shells with my mother and aunt Diana (Technically she's my mom's best friend... but that's irrelevant) on a regular basis. I'd pick up any shell that caught my eye and get upset when my mom told me I couldn't keep the broken ones. (This was necessary because no doubt if left to my own devices, I'd have more shells than I could ever carry) I remember sobbing when the tide washed away a shell that I wanted before I could get to it. In her efforts to console me, my aunt would say that the shell would be back some day and that I would surely get it then. Somehow this imaginary rain check agreement between myself and the lost shell calmed my worried five year old mind and I continued on with my search.
Now, as a young adult, I still go down the shore as much as humanly possible because it is my escape. Even when the feeling of sand is nearly unbearable against my RND flared skin, I still never pass up a trip to the beach! I strongly believe that everyone needs a place to be able to refresh their minds. Not necessarily the beach, everyone's different. But I think a little peace and tranquility would do everyone some good. Especially those suffering from RND.
During the winter time, if/when life gets a little chaotic, my mom will occasionally decide to take a spontaneous trip to the shore. Sometimes at 1am! It is like a breath of fresh air to the soul.
Anyway...
A couple of weeks ago, my mom and I decided to take a trip down the shore together (During the day) It was the most refreshing experience I have had in a while. Though I still go to the beach quite a bit, it has been a very long time since I have gone with just my mom. Since it is still the off season, we had the entire beach to ourselves and we were able to just walk in the sand together and look for shells. I noticed that the majority of the shells that I found were broken. but I also noticed that those same shells were some of the most beautiful shells that I have ever seen. I sat on the sand for a little while and just watched the waves after we finished our walk. I just sat and contemplated a lot of things; one of which being, the broken shells. once intact, and part of a living creature, these shells made their way from wherever they were when the sea creature they were a part of came about. Throughout their journey they got knocked around quite a bit by the tides, other animals, etc. the ocean chipped away at them as their made their way to the shore of Cape May NJ.
Much like us and the trials that we suffer through during this life. Whether it be RND, or anything else that life can throw at a person, just because a shell may be broken, doesn't mean that it isn't beautiful.
I think that often times, the people who go through the most obstacles in life, are the ones who try the hardest to seem like they are perfect. Even thought the reality is that we are perfect only in our imperfections.
Song(s) of the day:
Clarity- John Mayer
Beautiful disaster- Jon Mclaughlin
Meliora :)
Dedicated to M. McCloskey
