Perfectionism means that you try desperately not to leave so much mess to clean up. But clutter and mess show us that life is being lived. Clutter is wonderfully fertile ground - you can still discover new treasures under all those piles, clean things up, edit things out, fix things, get a grip. Tidiness suggests that something is as good as it's going to get. Tidiness makes me think of held breath, of suspended animation, while writing needs to breathe and move.
Anne Lamott emphasizes that perfectionism leads individuals to avoid messiness, which she argues is an inherent part of life. Clutter signifies that we are actively living and creating, and it offers opportunities for discovery and growth. Underneath the chaos, there are often hidden treasures waiting to be found, which can be cleaned up and refined. This process allows for editing and improvement, highlighting that imperfection can lead to valuable insights.
Moreover, Lamott contrasts tidiness with the dynamic nature of writing. She believes that tidiness represents a static state, one that may inhibit creativity by constraining it, akin to holding one’s breath. In contrast, writing thrives in a space that allows for movement and freedom. It is through embracing the messiness of life and creativity that true expression can emerge.
