Perfection Challenge

With a push and pull between serving others and being urged to share one’s light and purpose, where does the ever-present expectation of perfection fit in?

Currently I’m putting myself out there, as they say, harnessing a sisterhood of 4 of us women that are all looking to expand our skill sharing, support each other with networking and increase our income too. On the back of identifying these needs & desires we all have in common, we set out to create conscious conversations that would create connections, by us sharing ourselves with an audience.

This decision to interview each other and initiate an informal sharing of our personalities, our journeys, our joys and our services, was made so that we could build relationships with people through “putting ourselves out there”. Sounds easy enough and actually something I personally have joy in doing: connecting conversations that allow an honest sharing and listening safe space so that people can come away from the interaction feeling heard and hopefully with a new perspective or healing on their current situation. (In fact, I enjoy this form of interaction so much I set up my own version called “Coffee With Colette”, that is available as a service to people who need to talk and be heard during their times of challenge)

So, the 4 of us, Glynis, Nadine, Caryn & myself, Colette, worked out who’d interview who, what sort of questions we’d like to ask and be asked and then we set about recording these conversations with a vision to having one whole interview which can also have edited snippits that can act as highlights of the videos. We all agreed to work through simple editing done by ourselves – a new skill learned is always a good thing, hey!

And then came the challenge! (I speak for myself.)

It was a struggle to figure out editing, 101 style. We did have the benefit of Glynis’ superb design work and already crafted intro and outro to add to our interviews, to make it look professional and clear. But were my buttons pushed when it came to seeking perfection in the editing AND the presentation of my interview or what? Oh my goodness! Not quite tear stage – but I knew I was triggered because my emotions were doing wave vibes. No calm ocean current here.

What is it with our need for perfection?!

In our Conscious Connections interviews, we all strove for sharing ourselves on a personal level. We wanted to make ourselves available as the real individuals we are. Our interviews obviously had selling our services as top of mind but throughout the expression of them we wanted our conversation to become a foundation for building relationships. Relationships built on trust, care and support. Where that takes us, becomes part of infinite possibilities…

Truthfully, relationships are anything but perfection. And they function better with authenticity and transparency, truth and vulnerability. And yet, I sought some version of perfection in trying out my new & basic editing skills so that people would like me more? Be more likely to watch the video? Feel better at utilising my services? I’m not actually sure.

What I do know is that I had to throw my hands up in the air – because I’m not a video editor. I’m not a sound engineer. Nor am I a recording pro, let alone skilled at visual effects on this platform or another. I had to admit defeat in presenting perfection and I’ve just put myself out there regardless. Video simply edited and successfully uploaded to Youtube and FB. It’s scary. It’s scary because I would like people to have a chance to get to know me. I would love for people to know more about what I can offer in service to them. I would love to be given a chance to do what I love and do what I do well – support transformation, empowering people to know it’s worth it. And yet, it’ll be me, just me being me, with all of my imperfections, that does or does not resonate with others and potentially brings them into my life so that we can connect and engage, supporting each other. Ironic.

Perfection aside, I sincerely hope & desire that all 4 of us receive some kind of next step in our journeys that continues to remind us that we are enthusiastically choosing to share our light in this world in imperfectly perfect ways.

Much love always

Colette

Colette, mother to 2 beautiful daughters and author of “Spirit in Pregnancy & Birth – Practical and spiritual care, ceremonies and celebrations” has always had her heart set on helping others through her ability to listen, feel and then support them through guidance and a change in perspective, offering emotional support that lets people feel safe and heard.

Loving to share her experiences, knowledge and perceptions of the world around us, Colette has many interests that fuel her sharing and nurturing nature: Alternative modalities, nutrition, women’s health, conscious birth and parenting, astrology, Mother Earth, transformation, healing, channeling, spirituality, Mother Nature and much more.

coffeewithcolette@yahoo.com +27 82 354 8873