Image by cheerytomato via Flickr
We managed to run a series on perfectionism without even knowing it was happening. Pretty cool. Perfect? No.
Your comments have added to our momentum and interest. Here are a few from a range of thoughts and opinions:
Jasmine said,
…there’s a fine line between accepting yourself for who you really are and not just who you would like to be…
Patricia didn’t mince words,
I don’t like the word fail as it implies failure which is defeatist. Lots of times I try something and have less success than I would like but that is not failing. It is learning, if only learning what doesn’t work or what not to do again.
I don’t think I would try anything if I knew I was going to fail!
Paula tells us that in her quest toward being perfect she has suffered,
…considerable self-flagellation over the years. i still bear the scars.
Sarah, our literarian, grammarian and editor, channels Atticus in To Kill a Mockingbird:
“…I wanted you to see what real courage is…. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win but sometimes you do.”
Marie, who used to be “Livingsuicidal.com,” is now, “Livingvictorious.com” – whoo-ah! She tells us in her usual courageous style,
Although rationally I know I can’t be perfect, emotionally (I) can’t stop pursuing (perfectionism)…
Carl, strong Carl who shares his weaknesses knowing they don’t have anything to do with weakening him, tells us to,
define the difference between co-dependency and partnership and that the two terms are not interchangeable.
And so I ask you to tell me more because you always say it so well. Perfectly? No.
It would be wonderful to hear from the rest of you too! Speak out! Connect and lead us into our summary. Perfectly? No.
Implications:
- Lady Gaga via biology. How do you understand your biology to be influencing your view of perfectionism?
- Our efforts on volition/control. What is it in regards to your self-grace, (i.e. forgiveness and allowance for ourselves?)
- Ambivalence on progress v. limitations and flaws. How is this conflict affecting you?
- Perfectionism on pathologically depending on the opinion of others to qualify us. Some people call this, “codependence.” How do you qualify yourself?
Self-Care Tip #276 – Let good come from your propensity to crave perfection. It can.