Perfection, An Old Nemisis

Seeking perfection before moving forward on, well,  anything is one of the ways we stay on the brink of showing up fully in this world. For me waiting for something to be perfect kept me on the sidelines of the life I saw for myself. And now even though I have the tools to notice when perfection is getting in the way, it still shows up uninvited (the nerve!). Seriously, I am sitting here writing this blog and it is yapping in my ear. It is an exhausting way to live and not very rewarding. I have waited for the perfect moment, perfect body, perfect job, perfect purpose, perfect thing to say and a slew of other perfects. Perfection is soul sucking. Who's it for anyway? Who defines perfection?

In the book The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You're Supposed to Be So You Can Be Who You Are, Brené Brown writes “Healthy striving is self-focused: "How can I improve?" Perfectionism is other-focused: "What will they think?”. 

And there it is. What others will think. The achilles heel of an authentic life - worrying about what others will think. I spent my 20's literally walking around saying "I don't care what people think about me". I worked to exude a no-nonsense, take me or leave me attitude. In reality, I was constantly anxious and compartmentalized who I was. The idea that sharing your flaws was relatable or that it was possible to be fully loved as is was hogwash to me. At some point, the pull to be, have, and create what we truly want outweighs the fear of not being perfect. That point can be now, 5 years from now, or in the final days of our life. My vote, if you'd allow me one, is that your moment to be fully expressed and seen is now. 

Do you get that you are an amazing creature (yes, you)? That you are powerful. It is my wish for you and every other woman on this planet to really get that. To show up as yourself and to take on that blog, or business, or relationship, or outfit, or hobby that speaks to you not that voice of perfection in your head. 

Ready?

With every blog post there will be a weekly challenge. Should you choose to accept, I'd love to hear about how it went. Share in the comments and connect with others in the community! 

Challenge 2

Create a list of things you've been putting off until they or you are perfect. Be honest with yourself here. Pick one. Go do it this week. Oh, and there is no such thing as a perfect list, just make a list.

Make it a great week, you fierce, fabulous woman!

Love & Laughter,

Sarah

 

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