Weekly Quote:
“The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.” – Anna Quindlen
Contemplation:
~ Imagine a world where no one needs anything from anyone because chat gpt and A.I. give the “right” answer for everything…..yuck! How boring…..how lacking of heart and accomplishment. How would we know anything is authentic? Where would the self-esteem from personal growth come from? Where would empathy and compassion live and how about humility and self-awareness? As the perfection war of attrition wears on in our minds, how can we embrace our imperfections? How do we value the moral mortar and human connection we gain from struggle and mistakes? Can we change our perspective to equalize the value of imperfection and use it as a tool so we can finally let go of the myth that we are only as good or smart as our self-imposed perceptions? When is being uniquely me enough?
Tip of the Week:
~ Embrace the uncomfortable – dare to be imperfect. Self-acceptance without exception. Don’t make it ok to go rob a bank, but practice speaking kinder to yourself when you screw something up – we all screw things up… so do us all a favor – don’t promote the expectation to be perfect – be the world you want the world to be (perhaps Gandhi said that – it’s controversial).
The Practice:
Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion that you would offer a friend. When you make a mistake or encounter an imperfection, avoid self-criticism and negative self-talk. Instead, offer understanding and support to yourself.
Challenge Unrealistic Standards: Recognize that perfection is an unrealistic and unattainable standard. Challenge the idea that you must be flawless in every way. Understand that making mistakes and having imperfections are natural parts of being human.
Focus on Self-Improvement: Embrace the idea of continuous self-improvement rather than seeking perfection. Set achievable goals for personal growth, and celebrate your progress along the way. Understand that growth often comes from learning through imperfections.
Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness involves being present in the moment without judgment. Embrace mindfulness by observing your thoughts and feelings about your imperfections without attaching negative emotions to them. This can help you develop a more balanced perspective.
Surround Yourself with Supportive People: Build a supportive network of friends and family who accept you for who you are, imperfections and all. Being around people who appreciate your authenticity can boost your self-esteem and self-acceptance.
Remember that self-acceptance is a journey, and it may take time to fully embrace your imperfections. Be patient with yourself, and continue to work on developing a more compassionate and accepting relationship with yourself.