Do we really need to become "The best version of ourselves"

Have you heard the hype around the phrase “becoming the best version of yourself?” From what i have read and seen online, most are using this idea to motivate themselves into doing more, being more, being better and manifesting the life of their dreams.. And of course, every man, woman and their dog has THE best way to do this too. Some say it's to be more authentic, have healthier habits and morning routines, while others might say the key to unlocking this brand new “better” version comes down to all of the inside healing work that needs to be done. 

My question in all this is: WTF is wrong with THIS version of me? 

Right now,  this version of me is still a relatively new mum (only 13 months postpartum), who barely makes it out of the house in anything other than activewear and a top bun. I’ve completely given up on the careful application of makeup these days and my mental health has been on the wildest (and scariest) rollercoaster I've ever experienced. Is THIS version better or worse than any other?  In my honest opinion… nope.

We can probably all agree that there are definitely moments where we’re “not our best selves” but, I’d like to note that  there were ALSO plenty of those less-than-best moments pre-baby & when I was single. I was working full time in a career I loved and had no real responsibility outside rent, bills and what to wear on the weekend.

Have there been different versions? Sure, and I’d probably just describe the version as the period of my life, rather than judge the person that I was/am. 

I’m not the first to admit that the first 12 months have been ROUGH. Am I still a good person? Yes. Am I different? In some ways… yes.

On the other hand, I do believe that there are transitional periods during and after big life events or experiences.. For example; I know that during the transition into motherhood, I have been through many changes to my schedule, priorities and to be very honest, my overall outlook on the world has shifted (raising a child in this world vs just being in it feels soooo different!). But I still very much still feel like myself in many ways too.

This idea that you need to become the best version of yourself can create unnecessary shame spirals for many individuals; however,  this can simply depend on the mental state of the person receiving the phrase. On the flipside,  it can be the pivotal moment in a person's life - getting them up off the couch and out of terrible habits which then propel them into a new and successful period in life. But still… are they “the best version” of themselves? 

The next piece to this puzzle is - what if we slip and fall back into old patterns? Or if you are like me, who spent YEARS taking care of my emotional health, one day is triggered only to snap into a fit of mum-rage? Does that mean I am no longer the best/better version? 

I’m all for consistently improving yourself in any way you can - changing up your routine, serve more, smile more, let go of shit that won't really matter in 5 years but, what i’m NOT for is the idea that who you are RIGHT NOW isn’t good enough to be your “best version” of yourself. 

You are and always will be just you; the same you that was in your 12 year old body, your 20 year old body, and will be in your 80 year old body.. Some things change but ultimately you are still very much the person you have always been. Circumstances change, environments shift, we learn and we grow and so I will die on this hill encouraging all to rephrase the phrase “the best version of myself” to “the best period in my life so far”. 

YOU are worthy and whole at EVERY point in your life, no better, no worse.