On Saturday we watched the 47-year-old blind comedian, Chris McCausland, win the Strictly Come Dancing final. His professional dance partner, Dianne Buswell, had done an amazing job teaching him from a nervy start to his confident and ultimately winning performances.
He explained how, particularly for those living with sight loss, his journey broke down barriers… ‘and for everyone out there who’s got told they couldn’t do something or thought they couldn’t do it. It just shows with opportunity and support and determination, anything can happen.’
McCausland also said, ‘You don’t have to be perfect to be special.’
Yesterday I read about George Dowell. In 2010, aged 17, a car crash left paralysed from the chest down. He gradually came to terms never walking again, and started to rebuild his life… He met Jessikah Lopez. In 2020 they moved in together; then, last November, their daughter Bonnie was born.
Jessikah said: ‘I knew that being with George would bring challenges other couples wouldn’t have to face. But I also knew that nobody is perfect… What matters most to me is that we have an incredible connection, he makes me happy and that he’s a good man.’
Imperfect is special.
The John Legend song ‘All of Me’ includes the lyrics:
‘Cause all of me loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections…’
It’s a song about honesty, vulnerability, self-acceptance and unconditional love. It’s about not only embracing flaws and faults, but recognising that the ‘perfect imperfections’ are what makes the loved one special.
Imperfections are vital to special.
Yesterday we had a family meal – nine of us – children, partners, grandchildren. We know each other pretty well. In a world where winning, achievement and perfection are held as important it’s our imperfections that make each of us special to each other.
I think Marilyn Monroe got it right when she said: ‘Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.’
Imperfect is better than special.
malcolmsmusings.org 
Beautifully said!
I too, watched Strictly final. I think he’s amazing, and a well deserved winner.
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Chris certainly demonstrated skill, humour and determination that’s an example to all of us, Sara.
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Indeed, so very true, Malcolm.
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It was a very emotional evening. I only hope that Dianne receives some sort of recognition.
I personally felt that, although Chris wasn’t actually the best dancer, his journey was a wonderful inspiring experience for all of those who shared it, and worthy of the “glitter ball”.
The other three finalists don’t need glitter balls. Any furtherance of their careers would have been achieved purely by their dancing.
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I agree, Alan, that Chris wasn’t the best dancer, but what he achieved with no visual learning or visual assistance in performance was quite remarkable.
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Beautiful. I’ve heard it said, “God don’t make junk.” What we see as imperfections – as you say, better than special.
Have you heard the Celine Dion song “Imperfections”?
~Ed.
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It seems to me, Ed, that God’s accepting of our imperfections is yet another aspect of HIs grace… and no I hadn’t heard the Celine Dion song, but I have now. That’s another discussion.🙂
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Another quote about imperfection I appreciate: “Mosaics are made from broken pieces, but they’re still works of art. So are you” (Unknown). Thank you for reminding us, Malcolm, it’s better-than-okay to be imperfect!
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Broken pieces can be a work of art…. That’s a good quote, Nancy. Thank you.
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Inviting or including someone with imperfections to join an activity, or an organization, or the job force, etc. is true kindness-like these wonderful examples you gave, Malcolm. 🙂
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I think that we all have imperfections, Nancy. We just seem to be more prejudiced against some than others!
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I want to add-THEY’RE CAPABLE!
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Absolutely!
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Aw, Malcolm! AMEN, AMEN! Imperfection! I embrace it–as do you, your family, and these beautiful examples you shared of how imperfection is a blessing! My tagline to my website is: “Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, and fresh air.” Many blessings to you and your imperfect family, my friend. You’re all my kind of people!
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I think we spend years practicing our imperfections, Karla. That’s why we’re often so good at them!
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Bingo! Perfect practice makes perfect–or imperfect! I’ll take it, lol!
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