Our Messy Lives

Life is such a mixed bag. I believe that is its natural state. I was extremely productive yesterday. I used white vinegar to rid my electric teakettle of limescale. I also wiped down the front of my kitchen cabinets and took out my compost and recycling. I took apart my water filter pitcher, soaked its parts in soapy water, and then rinsed, dried, and reassembled it. I took a walk. I took photos. I mailed cards to family and friends. I made some holiday gifts. I did some writing. On this same day my bed sat in the background unmade, my craft supplies remained piled haphazardly on my dining table, and my not-so-clean hair was caught up in a twist of fabric. I should mention that though my yoga mat was still out I did not use it for anything other than a tripping hazard. I also ate quite a few mini pies — so good and local, and I might add that I ate them gleefully. My point is that whatever we deem to be our accomplishments, whatever makes us feel good about ourselves doesn’t have to be diminished by the things that are still undone or ignored. Life isn’t about perfection. This isn’t a Disney movie. There are no little birds circling our always gorgeous hair tweeting a celebration of our perfection. And, this is not the only choice of how to be. Not only is this unrealistic, it is also not the opposite of being the wicked, selfish villain. I always liked the dwarves more than Snow White. I could imagine them laughing. Hell, I could imagine them farting. They weren’t trying to be perfect. They were living. Singing. Walking. Working. Loving. My heroes.

Cinse Bonino
2024