What does it mean to be Perfectly Me? Well, for me being Perfectly Me is being funny, loud, opinionated, sensitive, caring, loving, unselfish with material things, selfish with love, “scale challenged,” corny, goofy, smart, witty, self deprecating, confident professionally, insecure personally, and committed to social change and personal growth. But, my Perfectly Me is different from your Perfectly Me because being Perfectly Me is all about being who you are and not trying to be anybody else. I came up with the idea of Perfectly Me after a friend of mine wrote the following: “One thing I want you to remember is that you are a precious valuable person – not for the things you do for everyone – but just because you are exactly and perfectly Raquel.”

When I read her words, it seemed so clear. I am Perfectly Raquel. Five years ago, however, I would never have been able to embrace this idea that I could be Perfectly Me. Perfect to me meant 125 lbs, a husband, a big beautiful house, two children, a great job that I loved, and a demure, sophisticated demeanor.

Here I am Perfectly Me today, and I am no where near 125 lbs; in fact add a bunch more pounds to that number. I am single, I have a townhouse in the city, I pay crazy property taxes, I have no children, I have a job (thank God) that I like but I know it’s not my calling, and I am as loud and rambunctious as ever. Did I mention, I have metal braces on my teeth? Yes, metal braces, but I am Perfectly Me at this moment.

I wanted to start this website because I think there are a lot of people like me who are trying to fit into a certain construct. What kind of women do men want to date? What type of personality makes the best employee? What type of person has the most friends? What type of person will be accepted by the world?

I’ve determined through a five year journey that included lots of therapy, $30,000 worth to be exact, acupuncture, and life experiences that I don’t fit into any mold. I am not what you think of when you think of a Princeton University, UVA law school grad. I am not what you think of when you imagine a daughter of a career criminal who spent most of his life in prison. I don’t always say the “right” things, wear the “right” clothes, or follow the “right” path. For years, I thought I needed to change, but now I know I just have to be Perfectly Me. From day to day, being Perfectly Me may look a little different, but each day it is unique to me. I want to encourage everyone to embrace their uniqueness and love their special gifts, especially when it seems a little off brand from the world around you.

Each day you can read about my Perfectly Me day, and I hope you will write about the “Perfectly Me” day that you had. Each week I post different useful videos from experts on fitness, relaxation, money management, fashion, skin care, life balance, or anything else that I think can help us enjoy life and improve on our Perfectly Me selves. I am not an expert on anything, but I do like to go to movies, dinners, spas, and well anything that’s fun and I will write about my fun adventures. I will also share my journey with you from the braces to the training and give you tips about what is working for me and what I wish I had not tried.

But, the most important thing that I hope you walk away with every time you visit the site is the sense that we all have our own perfection, and we should embrace the warts, the talents, the challenges, the surprises, and the successes because this is life. I have learned that life is not perfect, but it is mine to live and love.

Hey, I’m not perfect, I’m just Perfectly Me.