I'm Not Perfect

Ah, that time of year. The one where we’re all suddenly confronted with the crushing realization that we are, in fact, not perfect. Shocking, I know. It’s like one of those uncomfortable moments when you look in the mirror and realize your “just five more minutes” of sleep has transformed into a 45-minute snuggle with your pillow, and you’re late for everything. And that, my friends, is what Lent feels like. Whether you’re full-throttle into the spiritual exercise or just dabbling in it like you’re considering New Year’s resolutions but more vague, you can’t escape it: this is the time to confront your flaws head-on. It’s like the universe is handing you a magnifying glass and saying, “Take a good, hard look at yourself. No, really, look. You’re not as perfect as you think.”

Of course, it’s not just for Christians. We all have some version of Lent, even if it’s not marked on your calendar with a special font. Maybe you don’t fast, but I’m willing to bet there’s some version of self-reflection happening somewhere in your life, whether it’s those awkward New Year’s resolutions that somehow still linger in the air, or your annual “I really should stop doing that” moment when you can no longer ignore the fact that your life is being overtaken by either a Netflix queue, an obsession with shoes, or your ever-growing collection of chocolate wrappers. We all have our vices. The question is, are we actually doing anything about it?

For the Lenten folks, the main event is the giving up of something — that thing you thought you needed in order to get through your day. That one indulgence, whether it’s a cup of coffee you pretend to need to survive (really, you just like the ritual) or the online shopping spree you tell yourself you’re justified in because “it’s been a tough week.”

Bishop Robert Barron, who’s the kind of priest who doesn’t make you want to immediately break out into hives when he talks, suggests fasting as a way to discipline the body. It’s like sending your body to time-out, saying, “Listen, we can’t always give in to every whim you have, because it’s distracting us from the things that really matter.” It’s not about punishing yourself (he’s not trying to turn us into monks here, people), but about regaining control over the things that threaten to hijack your soul.

This is not about pretending our bodies are the enemy. Far from it. Our bodies are delightful. They’re the ones who let us eat that chocolate cake without judgment, who get us through a heart-pounding workout, who let us dance like no one’s watching (even if no one is, and that’s a good thing). They’re a gift. But let’s face it: sometimes they get a little out of hand. You know, like that toddler who gets a hold of a permanent marker and suddenly there’s a mural on your living room wall. Our bodies need boundaries, people. If we’re giving all our attention to the quick hits—whether it’s a Netflix binge, a shopping spree, or just zoning out on Instagram—then we’re not tending to the things that really feed our souls. You know, the deep stuff, like relationships, meaningful work, or the occasional nap (because yes, those things feed our souls too).

Here’s the kicker: it doesn’t matter if you observe Lent or not. We all need to stop and check in with ourselves. It’s not about denying yourself everything; it’s about recognizing where your energy is really going, and whether it’s really taking you where you want to go. If you spend all your time feeding the superficial cravings, the soul-level needs might start to feel a little hungry. So carve out a moment—be it a season, a week, or just a random Tuesday—and take stock. It’s not just a nice idea; it’s essential. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.