Dr.Dross

Ideals defined: “a model of perfection to be compared to or imitated.” Let me make this clear first of all: have no ideals.

Ideals have at least four serious faults:
#1. Based on a lack of acceptance; creating perpetual dis-ease.
#2. Outward seeking instead of inward discovery.
#3. Artificial existence; second-hand meaning and purpose; miss your calling.
#4. Rejects uniqueness

We are each unique, which means incomparable, one of a kind. The only ideal that can draw that forth is opening fully to the grace of God and the moment we are in.
All that we truly have is our heart and this moment, and these are not things that we possess but the privilege and opportunity to give of ourselves. Ideals take away both the heart (our unique passion and expression) and the moment, or all that is of actual value, for a purpose and direction outwardly decided by some imagined form of what we should be or do.

"A bird in the hand is worth more than two in the bush," and this describes the flaw of ideals. The moment is all that we ever have, so to use it as a means (the future acquiring of the "two birds in the bush") and not an end (the life at hand) is to miss perfection every time. Our complete abandonment to divine providence, being fully available this moment with all our heart, understanding, soul, and strength, is for our ultimate well-being and that of others.
Perfection is not found in being without error but in our complete openness to what is and in the wisdom of acceptance. Humility has no future, it can not be attained through effort or striving, and yet it is only in that state that we can have the fullness of life. Make humility an ideal and vanity will endlessly pursue it.
Ideals are lies about the nature of who we are, why we are here, and what is for our ultimate well-being. But they are certainly charming. They are enticing on so many levels.

Any Ideal we strive for stymies the creative expression of God in us. In effect, it says our own bright spirit, instilled by our Father, is not enough. Does God make junk?

There is not an ideal of perfection that we can strive for that can either encompass or surpass who we are in essence. As the image of God, perfectly created by Him, what ideal manufactured by man can know the ends of eternity.
Each soul is unique, a singular path with its own identity, meaning, and purpose, already equipped with everything it needs for the fullness of life. We do not strive to realize this path but open to it.