Kryptonite

Allowing Imperfection in a Feigned Perfect World

Exposed. Weak. Vulnerable. Those are what Kryptonite is known for—a substance that exposes, enables, and accentuates your weaknesses and vulnerabilities. In some sense, that’s true, but that is not the complete picture.

Kryptonite also reminds us of our humanity. It allows us to bleed. Regardless of what you may say, most of us try to carry on as if we were invincible, as if we were perfect. We know it’s anything but the truth, but that doesn’t stop us from carrying on as if we are, whether consciously or subconsciously. But would we actually want to be perfect?

As much as we may dream about perfection, eternal life, or invincibility, almost none of us would actually want it. All of those would take away our humanity and our ability to relate. Krytponite reminds Superman that he is human (figuratively/metaphorically speaking… I know he technically isn’t a human).

Living a life of perfection is impossible, and not expected; however, we are all told to strive for perfection. Well, living a life striving for perfection and feigning it is just as wearisome.

Recently, I found my Kryptonite. My first reaction was to run, to put as much space in between me and “it” as possible. I’ve started a company (MajorClarity — check it out!), am advising some startups, just moved to D.C., travel the country when I can, and am living the high life. I thought I couldn’t afford Kryptonite’s presence right now, but I was wrong. Not only did I find myself wanting it around, I found myself needing it. But why? If it’s going to expose, enable, and accentuate my weaknesses and vulnerabilities, why was this so?

I know I don’t have much figured out, but I think I may have figured this out.

Kryptonite does so much more than just weaken us. It excuses our imperfections… by giving them a justification, by giving them an excuse (even though we should not need this — imperfections are part of who we are). It gives us rest. So, I don’t know about you, but I’m going to hold on to my Kryptonite, at least as long as I can.

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