Make Peace with Imperfection

Thursday - August 30, 2012 

Therapy is in session. One of the books I have read that is very amazing is "Don't Sweat The Small Stuff... and it's all small stuff" -By Richard Carlson

Many of you have probably seen, if not read this book as well. I know I've seen it in doctors offices, my acupuncturist office has it the lobby. There are countless tips on how to keep the little things from driving you crazy. Let's face it, as mothers, or just woman in general, we get caught up on dumb stuff we can't change, and then to make it worse, we'll just sit there being frozen and frustrated about it.

I'd like to share one of my favorite chapters with you, Chapter 2. Make peace with Imperfection. We were created to be perfect, so in this imperfect state how can we make peace, Richard helps us to understand.

2. Make Peace with Imperfection 

I've yet to meet an absolute perfectionist whose life was filled with inner peace. The need for perfection and the desire for inner tranquility conflict with each other. Whenever we are attached to having something a certain way, better than it already is, we are, almost by definition, engaged in a losing battle. Rather than being content and grateful for what we have, we are focused on what's wrong with something and our need to fix it. When we are zeroed in on what's wrong, it implies that we are dissatisfied, discontent.

  Whether it's related to ourselves--a disorganized closet, a scratch on the car, an imperfect accomplishment, a few pounds we would like to lose--or someone else's "imperfections"--the way someone looks, behaves, or lives their life--the very act of focusing on imperfection pulls us away from out goal of being kind and gentle. This strategy has nothing to do with ceasing to do your very best but with being overly attached and focused on what's wrong with life. It's about realizing that while there's always a better way to do something, this doesn't mean that you can't enjoy and appreciate the way things already are.

The solution here is to catch yourself when you fall into your habit of insisting that things should be other than they are. Gently remind yourself that life is okay the way it is, right now. In the absence of your judgment, everything would be fine. As you begin to eliminate your need for perfection in all areas of your life, you'll begin to discover the perfection in life itself.

I hope you enjoyed this little teaser of what the book has to offer. I have to work on this point everyday! And the more I let go the less stress I feel. It's amazing! If you would like to buy the book or other Don't Sweat it books from Richard Carlson, please check out the Amazon link below.

  

 

Thanks for sharing another adventure with me!

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