Unlearning Perfection by Mya Noelani | One Poem Only

One Poem Only is a daily ritual: one poem, center stage, just for now.Unlearning PerfectionMya NoelaniI took up the task of unlearning perfectionBecause what is perfect anyway?Besides of bunch of standards we try to maintain to impress other peopleI’m learning that it’s okay that the same pile of clothes has sat on my floor for three daysOr that I’m not always on my P’s and Q’sAnd that sometimes the most productive thing I can do is get in my bed and sleepI’m learning that perfection is a performance for which I don’t have time because I’m trying my hardest just to stay aliveI’m learning that life isn’t linear but bunch of highs and lows a bunch of day by days and lot of figuring it out as we goLet me ask you something…if Jesus got killed for being just that, then truly, what is the point of perfect anyways?It’s something I’ll never be no matter how much I tryAnd life is just not meant for constant strivingSo, I’m unleashing perfection to fully know meTo embrace opportunity and possibilityTo give myself some graceTo find courage and strength to complete the tasks I’ve been assignedSo tell me again…what is perfection besides a distraction that prevents you from experiencing the fullness of life?More from Mya Noelani ↓@noelanis_diary on InstagramHer book, The Dreamer’s Diary, is available nowSupport + Stay Connected to OPOIf you’d like to support the show, Substack and Patreon members receive a copy of my book, For My Daughter, along with episodes from the audiobook.Feed yourself poetry every day.Mentioned in this episode:Write After: National Poetry Month with One Poem OnlyWrite After is a way to encourage poets to listen and write, and use National Poetry Month to highlight how listening to poetry makes us better poets. I know I write the best when I’m surrounded by beautiful poetry–it’s part of the reason I created this podcast, and I want to encourage others to share this practice. If you want to join: Listen to a poem from the month of April on One Poem Only, then write your own in response. I will pick one for each day to read in June for a special series: One Poem After 🍎🍏 Submissions close May 15.Write After Submissions Form