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March 1, 2026

What Is Perfect?

by Emily Thorpe


How would you define perfect?

The dictionary answer is “having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be”.

But, it’s a bit of a trick question really, because it’s so subjective. 

What is the perfect meal?  What is the perfect dress?  What is the perfect holiday?

We all have such different ideas about what perfect looks like and bizarrely we always seem to want what we don’t have.  For example, I have had lots of compliments about my hair being thick and wavy over the years.  Yet, I have spent many an hour trying to straighten out every single curl.

The trouble with the idea of perfect is that it is so elusive.  By its very nature, it is beyond our normal experience.  It is special.  It is exceptional.  It is desirable, but just out of reach.

This is where the problem lies.

In the same way that many women find their body shape imperfect, I often find the mums I work with are having a hard time because they are not matching up to their version of perfect.  Instead of allowing themselves to muddle through and enjoy the moment, they are measuring their performance against an imaginary yardstick of Supermum.  We make it so hard to be happy, content, light and free.

The irony is that we are all perfect, right here and now.  We are exactly where we are meant to be.  

That is not to say that we will not change, improve, grow and evolve. We are all on a journey to expand and experience life.  But, you are perfect right now.  

Look at the dictionary definition again.  We are “as good as it is possible to be”.

If we could accept the perfection of everything right now, we would be so much happier!

Imagine a day without criticism or comparison.  Imagine that from the moment you get up you love your beautiful body and smile at your reflection in the mirror.  As you walk around your home, you look kindly on every piece of furniture that has served you, every chair that you have sat on to eat, talk and relax.  It may not be where you want to be forever, but it is perfect for now. 

With this reframe, we could experience a sense of peace without having to chase our happiness. 

You are perfect, enjoy your day and shine!

About the Author:
Emily Thorpe is a working mother of two boys who previously experienced stress, guilt and overwhelm but can now proudly say that she has discovered the perfect work/life balance, whilst also finding time to pursue her dreams and be a role model to her children.   Emily is an award winning, qualified and dedicated coach and an inspirational speaker, who is passionate about transforming the lives of other women, helping them go from tired, stressed and overwhelmed to feeling relaxed, calm and balanced as well as being energized and inspired. 

You can find Emily at http://www.HappyWorkingMum.com.




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