In the #LoveMe Challenge, I’m supposed to share a flaw. Now, I don’t think this means a negative character flaw. Although my tendency to expect the worst is probably a character flaw to some people, it also means that I’m not often surprised by life’s twists and turns. But that doesn’t really help me love myself more…And I’ve already shared that I’m not used to sharing feelings anyway earlier this week. More deep personal sharing like that twice in one week would make me extra uncomfortable.
So, physically, there are a lot of flaws that I have, although I can’t say that I actually think dwelling on most of those would make me love myself more. Honestly, if I could figure out how to make my stomach flat for even once in my lifetime, that would be awesome. Talking about my “determined to be round and poochy” belly doesn’t engender loving feelings. It just makes me feel like I need to exercise 8 hours a day.
What flaws do I have that I can embrace and love? This got me thinking. As a society, we spend a lot of time, money, and effort to tell people how flawed they are and what they need to do, buy, or work on to be better. We rarely talk about flaws in a positive light. Even the word “flaw” sounds raw and unfinished, like a sloppy paint job on a beat up Oldsmobile.
Is it a flaw that I’m bookish and prefer reading to socializing? In some circles, I’m sure it is. Is it a flaw that I let my nails get too unkempt and go months between manicures? I know one male in particular who thinks this is practically a mortal sin. Is it a flaw that I think bacon is a condiment? I bet there’s more than one dietician who would whole heartedly agree. Is it a flaw that I cry at sappy commercials but haven’t once shed a tear about my cancer diagnosis? I’m sure there might be a therapist or two that thinks so. But all of those things make me me. I’m not really bothered by any of them enough to change them. In short, they might be flaws but they’re not calls to action either.
Maybe instead of worrying about flaws, I celebrate my weirdness. After all, I’m really just doing my part to “Keep Austin Weird”, right?