Why Innocence is Overrated: Embracing Life's Imperfections

We’ve all heard it before: “I miss the innocence of childhood.” It’s tempting to romanticize those simpler times when the world seemed kind and uncomplicated. But innocence, for all its charm, is just the beginning of the story. The real magic (y'all know I love some magic) lies in what comes after—in the messiness of reality that shapes us, challenges us, and ultimately makes us whole. 

If we take a moment and really think about it: innocence is overrated. It shields us from life’s intricacies and keeps us at arm’s length from growth. Reality may be messy, but it’s also where we discover resilience, wisdom, and the profound beauty of being alive. Let me tell you why. 

Do you remember the first time you realized the world wasn’t as perfect as you once thought? Maybe it was the day you discovered Santa wasn’t real, or when you learned that your parents didn’t have all the answers. I’m sure those moments stung, but they also marked the beginning of your journey into a more authentic understanding of life. Breaking free of innocence doesn’t mean losing something; it means gaining perspective. It’s like trading a tiny snow globe for the vast, unpredictable reality of a winter storm. Of course, it’s cold, wet, and sometimes the wind stings your face, but it’s also exhilarating, raw, and full of possibility. Each deep breath of the cold frozen air breathes new life into you, right? 

Now here is where shit gets really real. The messy parts of life-heartbreak, failure, and rejection are often the moments that teach us the most. These are the experiences that show us what we’re capable of, push us to grow, and force us to find strength we didn’t know we had. 

Let’s be real for a second; would you be the person you are today if everything had gone perfectly? If you’d never faced disappointment or struggle? I highly doubt it, I know I wouldn’t. Each messy moment has added another brushstroke to the canvas that is the masterpiece of your life. Without them, you’d be a blank canvas. 

Innocence might seem sweet while wearing those dope framed rose colored glasses but let’s be real it’s also kind of boring. It’s nice to believe that the world is all sunshine and rainbows, but it’s the unexpected twists and turns, and bullshit that make life interesting. 

‍

Breaking free of innocence doesn’t mean losing something; it means gaining perspective.

‍

Hear me out and think about this; innocence keeps you in the shallow end of the pool, where the water is safe but predictable. Reality, on the other hand, invites you to dive into the roaring ocean, where the water is wild and full of surprises. Yea, you might get a little bit of water up your nose, but you’ll also feel the thrill of exploring the unknown. You will feel alive once you emerge from the shitstorm you survive because you have fought for your place, your survival, and you deserve to be there. 

One of the greatest lessons we learn after losing our innocence is how to embrace imperfection. Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. In fact, it’s the flaws and cracks that make it truly unique. In Japan fine ceramics are often fixed and out back together with gold, not to highlight the imperfections but to showcase the beauty of being broken and being put back together. 

Think about your favorite piece of art, your closest friend, favorite family member, or your happiest memory. I bet they’re not perfect. They’re messy, raw, and real. That’s what makes them special and the same goes for life. By letting go of the need for perfection (perfection isn’t real, but that’s 

a story for another day), we open ourselves up to joy, connection, and the freedom to be ourselves authentically and unapologetically. 

I bet by now you are wondering, “Erica, how do I learn to embrace the mess?” Start by letting go of the idea that you have to have it all figured out. Nobody does. Life is a work in progress, and that’s what makes it exciting. Try to see challenges as opportunities. That rejection letter? Who cares, it’s now a chance to discover a new path. That heartbreak? It sucks ass, but it’s now a lesson in what you truly want and deserve. The mess isn’t something to avoid—it’s something to dive into headfirst. 

Finally, remember that growth often comes from discomfort. It’s in the messy, uncomfortable moments that we learn the most about ourselves. So don’t shy away from the chaos, step or run headfirst into it with curiosity and courage. 

The truth is, life’s greatest beauty isn’t found in a pristine, untouched version of the world. It’s found in the mess, in the cracks, the chaos, and the moments that take us by surprise. Innocence might give us a glimpse of the world, but reality invites us to truly live it. 

The next time you find yourself longing for or missing the simplicity of innocence, take a moment to appreciate the richness of your reality. Yea, it’s messy, but it’s also breathtakingly beautiful and full of magic. It’s where you’ve grown, where you’ve loved, where you learned to love yourself, and where you’ve found the strength to keep going. 

Fuck it I’ll say it, innocence is overrated. The mess of reality? That’s where the magic happens and I’m sure by now yall know, I’m here for all the magic.

Live and learn, life is a lesson! 

‍Listen to Episode 3 Now: The End of Innocence: A Journey of No Return

‍

Written by:
Erica Lewis

‍

‍

‍