This personal essay explores the author's journey with embroidery, highlighting the challenges of perfectionism and the struggle to balance ambition with the joy of creation. Through setbacks and self-reflection, the author learns to embrace imperfection, finding contentment in the process rather than solely focusing on the outcome.
Like many of us homebound during the early days of COVID-19, I gained a new hobby in 2020. My passion became embroidery. With the help of YouTube videos, I taught myself how to turn plain fabric into a riot of color.
I got a little behind when my chronic migraines were particularly debilitating. I felt overwhelmed by the delay. And then I gave up. My 2023 embroidery journal became a huge flop.Because I’m a perfectionist, I couldn’t just put the canvas away. No, I left it in the corner of my bedroom, next to my reading and embroidery chair, as a daily reminder of my spectacular failure.
“How can we be aware of ourselves, our thought processes in that process, be kind to ourselves, be intentional about our goals, having accountability with someone else that can check us in both ways — ‘you’re being too hard on yourself’ and also can encourage us,” she said. “How can we with a cadence that allows for mistakes and imperfections, and recognizing that as a critical part of growth rather than a failure.
With that tiny success, I felt emboldened during my week off from work to start and almost complete a piece designed by one of my favorite embroidery artists. A few stitches are uneven, but I’ve resisted the urge to pull them out and start again. I’m focused on finishing, mistakes and all, when I feel like it. I’ve set no deadline.
Lifestyle Perfectionism Embroidery Creativity Self-Reflection Process Joy
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