If you haven't forgiven yourself something, how can you forgive others? Human perfection is an illusion. No one is perfect, nothing is perfect. In art, it is usually the flaw that makes the masterpiece more intriguing. Striving to do our best is what life is all about.
The problem lies in the misguided belief that we will not be loved unless we reach the highest levels of achievement. Such beliefs create compulsive behaviors which only sap our energies, getting us nowhere. This notion is so extreme that some people will turn the joy of gardening into an obsession because they are determined to have the most manicured lawn in the neighborhood. These people behave as if mistakes or small imperfections are permanent, irreversible stains on their carefully cultivated images.
When we relinquish the neurotic need to be perfect, we are freed of the pressures of sainthood and can learn from our mistakes instead of being destroyed by them. Love what you love with a passion. Perfection is not a requirement to love, but honesty and trust are. There is no exception. The process begins with being honest with ourselves and ends with caring enough for others to offer them the same.
