Soul Sustenance - Embracing Imperfect Role Models

By Bibi Lucille

 Growing up, many of us believed that the perfect woman was always calm, stunning, and capable  of doing it all without breaking a sweat. From glossy magazines featuring impossibly flawles cover models to movies where female leads always had just the right witty comeback, these  images taught us that being “perfect” was the ultimate goal. Yet over time, we’ve started to see  more realistic, relatable portrayals of women on TV, in films, and online. I’ve found so muc comfort in characters who actually make mistakes, stumble through difficult decisions, and sh us their real selves. They remind me we’re human. 

My own obsession with perfection started when I was a teenager, constantly comparing myself to  airbrushed images and glamorous actresses. I genuinely believed that if I could just look flawless every door would open easily. But as I got older, I noticed more and more women on-screen  embracing imperfection, from the chaotic humour of Bridesmaids to the raw honesty in shows like  Fleabag and I May Destroy You. Suddenly, I saw that being a little messy was not only acceptable  but actually more honest and powerful. It gave me permission to relax, embrace my flaws, an recognise them as strengths. 

I’ve also noticed how deeply rooted guilt is for many women. It’s like we’re hardwired to feel  responsible for other people’s comfort and happiness from an early age, especially if we grow up  in caregiver roles. Over time, guilt can become this heavy blanket we carry around, making us  doubt every decision. While it’s not easy to banish guilt entirely, I’ve learned to face it head-on: I  ask myself what I’m really feeling guilty about, and whether I’d judge a friend in the same way.  Often, the answer is a resounding “no.” That simple reminder helps me let go gently. 

Rejection is another universal experience we can’t run from, no matter how much we’d like to. Yet  I’ve come to see it as a hidden gift because it pushes us to keep striving. If every opportunity  were guaranteed, life would be dull. We wouldn’t appreciate our achievements or grow through  the process of chasing a goal. Whenever I hear “no,” I remind myself that maybe I’m just one  rejection closer to a “yes.” It’s helped me develop resilience and shift my perspective from fearing  failure to welcoming the lessons it brings. Sometimes, that tiny mindset change is everything. It  works. 

In a world that floods us with airbrushed images, learning self-compassion can feel like an uphil battle. Every other Instagram post seems designed to make us compare our lives or appearances  to someone else’s. I’ve started a mental practice similar to cognitive behavioural therapy:  whenever a negative thought creeps in, I pause, label it, and reframe it. Instead of letting it run  wild, I treat myself like a concerned parent would treat a child. This helps me realise those critical  voices aren’t the real me; they’re just echoes of an overly perfection-driven culture. Slowly, I’m  finding calm amid the nois 

Music can be such a powerful channel for these feelings, and the song “To Be Damned?”  captures that fear of having messed up beyond repair. It’s like we’re asking, “Did I make a wrong  turn somewhere, and is there any way to fix it?” The lyrics talk about having a “filthy mouth an soul to match,” hinting at that nagging sense of guilt or shame. But the chorus’s repeated “I’m  done” speaks to the sheer exhaustion we all feel from replaying every mistake. Sometimes, we  just want to move on. Letting go of self-blame can open doors to peace. 

What really draws me to flawed characters - both in fiction and real life - is how they search  meaning within their chaos. A perfectly polished person might be pleasant at first glance, but the rarely leave a lasting impression. The people (and characters) who fight their demons or grappl with mistakes are the ones who resonate with me most. Their journey to redemption, or even  acceptance, feels so much more authentic. Watching someone come to terms with the shadows  they’d rather ignore is a powerful reminder that we can evolve, no matter our past. That’s what  makes a story truly unforgettable. Honestly. 

Embracing imperfect role models frees us from rigid standards and encourages us to try new  things, even if we fail. Personally, I’m juggling several creative pursuits - acting, writing, music,  and a couture line called B.LUCILLE launching this spring. I love all genres of acting, from comedy  to horror, and my music taste is equally broad: classical helps me focus, while jazz and blues get  my heart pumping. Right before I step on stage, I’m terrified. But the moment I start performing

that anxiety melts into sheer excitement. Hearing people laugh or applaud reminds me why I do it.  It’s pure magic.

Bibi Lucille is a multi-talented actress, writer, singer-songwriter, and couture fashion designer. She is the star of Amazon Prime’s Purgatory, Trust and of course, the cult-favorite web series I am Sophie. She will be launching her couture fashion line this year called ‘B.LUCILLE’ and will be touring a play called ‘Narcissists’, which she wrote and performed in. It’ll be showcasing in LA in March, in London in May, and in the Edinburgh Fringe in August. Bibi is also branching out into the music scene with some Hozier-inspired blues-pop tracks. After the successful release of her debut single, Addicted, Bibi is now releasing a second, To Be Damned which is available on Spotify.