Forget your perfect offering

“Forget your perfect offering, and ring the bell you still can ring. There is a crack in everything. It’s how the light gets in.” I went to a May Day party at a friend’s house this past spring. At one point, some folks gathered to sing and invited anyone who wanted to join in. I love singing, but was nervous about whether I was good enough to sing with and in front of others. I was holding my youngest kiddo, so I used him as a bit of a social shield and joined in. Later, I learned this group meets monthly to sing in community and has a goal to bring songs to political actions. I’ve been meeting with them ever since, sans baby. It’s been soul filling. We had our monthly gathering this past Sunday, and one of the songs we sang featured these lyrics, which are a variation on lines from a Leonard Cohen song. These words and this singing experience remind me not to wait until the moment I decide what I have to offer is good enough or perfect. If I do, let’s be honest, I’ll be waiting forever. Instead, there’s value in offering what I have available, right here and right now.

Forget your perfect offering, and ring the bell you still can ring. There is a crack in everything. It’s how the light gets in

Published by Emily P.G. Erickson

Emily P.G. Erickson is a freelance writer specializing in mental health and parenting. She has written for popular digital publications, including Everyday Health, Health, The New York Times, Parents, Romper, WIRED, and more. Emily is a professional member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) and the Association of Health Care Journalists (AHCJ). Previously, Emily researched PTSD for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and earned a master's in psychology. You can find the latest from Emily at www.emilypgerickson.com.

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