Raelyn R.
Photography provided by Raelyn R.
If you’re reading this, you don’t have to be “perfect” all the time.
I’ve always been a perfectionist through and through— whether as a high-level athlete, driven student, or an aspiring physician. I’ve always strived to be “perfect” in everything I do but over time, I realized that perfection isn’t something that is truly attainable. My will to be perfect started to take a toll on my mental health, and I found myself struggling everyday because I couldn’t meet the definition of “perfect” I had set in my head.
I thought everyone was looking at me to be the “perfect” embodiment of a student athlete: always strong, no issues, and capable of handling everything. I thought every meet had to be my best meet. If it wasn’t, I believed I had failed. On top of the high expectations on the track, I was striving for perfection in the classroom, and I still do. Beyond track and school, I was still a daughter, a sister, and a friend. It felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders.
I couldn’t breathe, and that’s when the panic attacks started. I believed there was no room for me to not be okay. Little did I know, my real strength was acknowledging that I wasn’t perfect and seeking the help I needed.
I am writing this letter to remind you do not have to be “perfect” every day. Your 100% looks different every day, and that’s okay. All anyone can ask of you is that you try your best for that day. This is a lesson I had to learn the hard way, after years of counseling, and I still struggle with this. I am continuing to learn how to not be “perfect.”
There are resources and people out there whose job is to help you out, and it’s okay to reach out to them. Seeking help was the hardest, but ultimately the most rewarding decision I’ve made.
If you are struggling, know that it’s okay. It doesn’t make you any less strong, and I hope you are able to find the help that you need.
Raelyn R., Southern Methodist University
Connect With Us
To follow IfYoureReadingThis at SMU on Instagram, get in touch with our chapter, and learn about more resources available to SMU students, visit our chapter’s homepage.
author Contact
This author has opted to allow readers who resonate with their story to contact them. If you would like to speak to the author of this letter about their experience, please use the form below.