Leonard Cohen wrote that there is a crack in everything — that’s how the light gets in. I’ve been thinking about that line for years.
Most of us spend a great deal of energy hiding our cracks. The mistakes we’d rather not mention. The decisions we’d make differently. The parts of our story that don’t fit neatly onto a CV.
I understand the instinct. I’ve done it too.
Life isn’t perfect. Neither am I.
I’ve had successes. I’ve had regrets. I’ve changed direction more than once, and not always gracefully. Some of the best lessons of my life arrived wrapped in situations that didn’t go to plan.
Looking back, those cracks weren’t the end of anything. They were where something new got in — a different way of seeing, a better question, a person I’d never otherwise have met.
Perhaps the cracks aren’t something to hide. Perhaps they’re where the possibilities begin.
Be gentle with the broken bits
So this week, I’d suggest something slightly unfashionable: be a little kinder to your imperfections. Not proud of them, necessarily. Just kinder.
Ask what they’ve taught you. Ask where the light might be getting in.
You may be surprised by the answer.
