Why My Motto for 2018 is Wabi-Sabi

On my first day back to work on January 2nd, I sat on the bus and put in my headphones like any other day. I felt a little tired, swiped through my podcasts and randomly chose an episode from Boss Files with Poppy Harlow about Jessica Alba’s The Honest Company. I listened passively until I heard the phrase, “wabi-sabi” and instantly my outlook for 2018 was transformed.

Wabi-sabi is a Japanese noun that describes a state of acceptance of the imperfections in life and appreciating them as beautiful. It’s about appreciating the flow of life and finding beauty in imperfection. 

Although I talk about embracing the hot mess side of life, I honestly have a hard time doing it sometimes. While I’m fine admitting my hot mess moments, I am a perfectionist at heart. I truly believe people’s imperfections should be celebrated, but I often have trouble celebrating my own.

Wabi-sabi is all about seeing the beauty and value in imperfection. I want to embrace that practice in my life on a daily basis. Instead of stressing out because I’m not where I think I should be or how I think my life should look, I’m going to tell myself, “wabi-sabi.”

I want to be intentional with my goals but also accepting of life’s path. I’m someone who gets an idea in my head of what I think I should be doing, what I think my job should be, or what I think my relationships should look like and I drive myself crazy either A) trying to change them or B) beating myself up that they’re not that way. I’ve realized over the last year, it’s gotta stop.

As cliché as it is, life is too short not to appreciate all aspects of our journey…even the messy, imperfect ones. You know I am all about working hard, setting goals, building a career, and of course, looking fashionable. And while there’s nothing wrong with striving to be the best you can be, I really believe there needs to be a balance of learning to embrace your journey, flaws, and life’s imperfections.

So in 2018, if I become too much of a perfectionist, start being critical of myself, or think my life should different, I’m going to take a deep breath and tell myself wabi-sabi. 

Shop the Look!

I got to raid My Harlette in Whitefish, Montana while I was visiting my family for Christmas. I snagged this For Love and Lemons Sparkler Slip Dress and Joie Leolani Leather Jacket..seriously gorgeous! They have an amazing selection of high end, fashionable pieces. You can all them at (406) 730-1290 to place an order :)