0:00This April is right after. It doesn't have to be perfect. Just listen and write what comes. Your after poem starts here. Share with right after OPO or in the comments on Substack and Spotify. One poem only. Just for now. Just for you. Here's today's poem. Today I'm reading a poem by Maya Nolani. Listen to the episode. Then write your after poem. Unlearning perfection. I took up the task of unlearning perfection. Because what is perfect anyway? Besides a bunch of standards we tried to maintain to impress other people. I'm learning that it's okay that the same pile of clothes has sat on my floor for three days. Or that I'm not always on my peas and cues. And that sometimes the most productive thing I can do is get in my bed and sweep. I'm learning that perfection is a performance for which I don't have time. Because I'm trying my hardest just to

1:04stay alive. I'm learning that life isn't linear. But bunch of highs and lows. A bunch of day-by-days. And a lot of figuring it out as we go. Let me ask you something. If Jesus got killed for being just that, then truly, what is the point of perfect anyway? It's something I'll never be no matter how much I try. And life is just not meant for constant striving. So I'm unleashing perfection to fully know me, to embrace opportunity and possibility, to give myself some grace, to find courage and strength to complete the tasks I've been assigned. So tell me again, what is perfection besides a distraction that prevents you from experiencing the fullness of life? By Maya Nolani, you can find more from her on Instagram at Nolani's diary. Her book, The Dreamer's

2:04Diary, is out now. Thank you for listening poetry lover. If this poem moved you, share it with someone who needs it.