Today, we are surrounded by social media, television shows, and the internet that set the bar for perfection. We beg for shares on Facebook, retweets on Twitter and likes for Instagram.

We define ourselves by a number — a number that has no meaning.

We strive to be perfect on paper. While our efforts have good intentions, we are left feeling lonely, shallow, and broken. We strive for success, but end up feeling like a failure.

This failure eats us alive — belittling us to feel like nothing. Instead of defining what perfection looks like, why don't we define what imperfection looks like?

What does imperfection look like?

It is the way we lose control of our laughter, it is the way we grin ear to ear, it is the curl that is out of place on your hair. It is burning a pizza in the oven and laughing at your efforts. It is a day without wearing any makeup and loving the way you look. It is lighting a candle and blaring music in your room. It is crying in the middle of the day for no reason. It is being vulnerable, beautiful and strong.

When we stop living with this standard of perfection, we begin to enjoy and fall in love with life. We begin to fall in love with the journey, rather than the destination. We begin to laugh at our efforts and celebrate the successes.

So, let's start living an imperfect life.

Let's start living a beautiful life — one that is filled with failures and successes. One that is filled with laughter, smiles and tears.

Let's start living a life that is no longer defined by perfection, likes on Instagram, retweets or shares.

Stop striving for perfection, and start living.