One Poem Only is a daily ritual: one poem, center stage, just for now.

Unlearning Perfection

Mya Noelani

I took up the task of unlearning perfection

Because what is perfect anyway?

Besides of bunch of standards we try to maintain to impress other people

I’m learning that it’s okay that the same pile of clothes has sat on my floor for three days

Or that I’m not always on my P’s and Q’s

And that sometimes the most productive thing I can do is get in my bed and sleep

I’m learning that perfection is a performance for which I don’t have time because I’m trying my hardest just to stay alive

I’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 go

Let 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 try

And life is just not meant for constant striving

So, I’m unleashing perfection to fully know me

To embrace opportunity and possibility

To give myself some grace

To find courage and strength to complete the tasks I’ve been assigned

So 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 Instagram
• Her book, The Dreamer’s Diary, is available now

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Write After: National Poetry Month with One Poem Only

Write 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.

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