Have you ever started something, only to abandon it halfway through? Maybe it’s an art project, a goal, or even a plan for your dream life. I used to be the queen of unfinished canvases—literally and metaphorically. For the longest time, I thought my value was tied to how “perfect” I could make everything. Spoiler alert: It’s not.
This is a story about how I learned to embrace the mess, let go of perfection, and realize that thriving isn’t about being flawless—it’s about showing up.
It was a Sunday afternoon, and I was working on a painting I had dreamed about for weeks. I had everything planned: the colors, the composition, the mood. But as I started working, things didn’t go the way I expected. The colors clashed, my lines wobbled, and frustration bubbled up.
I was this close to ripping the canvas off the easel when my friend called. She asked, “What if you let it be imperfect?”
That one question stopped me in my tracks. I stepped back and looked at the painting—not with criticism, but with curiosity. What if the messiness was part of its beauty?
From that day forward, I started viewing my unfinished canvases as works in progress, not failures. And you know what? That mindset shifted everything. It taught me that thriving isn’t about finishing perfectly—it’s about embracing where you are and giving yourself grace to keep going.
Let’s start your “unfinished story”...
Start a piece of art—maybe a drawing, painting, or collage—and intentionally leave parts of it unfinished. In the empty spaces, write words or phrases that reflect what you’re still working on in your life. This exercise is a reminder that it’s okay to be a work in progress.
Ok, so let’s be real—unfinished projects can be stressful. But you know what’s worse? Finishing something you hate. Here’s to leaving things undone with pride!
What’s one “unfinished canvas” in your life that you can learn to embrace? Maybe it’s a skill, a dream, or even a relationship with yourself. Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear your story.
