Clutter and mess show us that life is being lived...Tidiness makes me think of held breath, of suspended animation... Perfectionism is a mean, frozen form of idealism, while messes are the artist's true friend. What people somehow forgot to mention when we were children was that we need to make messes in order to find out who we are and why we are here.
Anne Lamott explores the significance of messiness in life and creativity in her book "Bird by Bird." She suggests that clutter represents a life filled with experiences, while tidiness can evoke feelings of restraint and stagnation. In her view, perfectionism confines creativity, contrasting with the liberation that comes from embracing mess. The idea is that making messes is essential for self-discovery and understanding one's purpose.
Lamott emphasizes that society often overlooks the importance of mess in personal growth and artistic expression. By highlighting the value of imperfections, she encourages readers to accept disorder as a natural part of life. Understanding that messiness plays a crucial role in finding one's identity allows individuals to appreciate their journey and embrace their unique paths.
