How
do we know when we have had enough? What is our portion?
This
concept has been shadowing me, flitting in and out of my mind for a few weeks
now. Oddly enough due to thinking about the concept of vulnerability and
perfectionism.
I am
aware that as a perfectionist I tend to delve deeply into things, crossing and
recrossing my t's to make sure and doubly sure things are perfect.
This
can set up enormous stress in my system, and so I am trying to explore this
idea of 'enough'.
When
I go to the beach and take photos of the waves, I tell myself ' that is enough'
after a few minutes of trying to capture the perfect wave. 'Whatever you have
in the camera is enough for today.' Whoa! What a concept!
It
is really life changing to take the pressure off and allow yourself to let
things slide a little.
When
I travel I tend to take too many first aid items because 'just in case'. As if
I can foresee every eventuality anyway. Maybe I can let go a teeny tiny bit and
pack just the basics. This allows me to learn about living in vulnerability as
well as giving me opportunities to be creative with solutions...which I love.
If
you try to dot all the I's and cross all the T's you can live in a fake world
where you are clinging to the hope of a false security. Then when things
inevitably go belly up, you haven't developed coping skills to deal with them.
I
have a strange dichotomy in my makeup, where I am a perfectionist wanting
everything just so, at the same time as loving to go with the flow and be messy
and creative. There is no way being 'just so' will ever lead to creation, so why
do I chase it so?
Well,
it all boils down to fear. Living in vulnerability is scary! But oh so
rewarding.
And
what of 'enough'? Do I have enough clothes? Do I have enough food?
Have
I done enough learning with my kids? Have I said enough on this topic?
'Yes!'
'Leave
it for now and come back to it later. Let go a little and breathe.'
Living
with space for creativity and gentleness.
That
sounds like a plan!
Who's
with me?
Leave it for now and come back to it later. Let go a little and breathe
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, yes!! I think we're all guilty of striving for the impossible, I know I am.
That photo of the bird is lovely. xxx
me!
ReplyDeleteonce a design professor told us: "mut zur lücke" - good is good enough - mostly in life. and because we are talented perfectionists, we are much better in the beginning then all the others, so if we are a bit "lazy" we are still good enough ;-D
love the photos of the ocean shore!
xxxxx
Love.
ReplyDeleteFear controls most people's lives. And, as you astutely note, the impulse toward perfectionism is usually based in fear. When I was young I was as scared as anyone but growing up I learned to shed fear. It's freeing to do so. After deliberately placing myself in dangerous situations (e.g., riding a motorcycle at 140 mph on a racetrack) and surviving, my confidence grew. This is a great post!
ReplyDeleteWe always love to hear your thoughts. As you know, D really understands from experience, that perfection is only reached in heaven. I've learned many things actually work quite well without being perfect!!! Good enough turns out fine. You gave us a taste of the beach in your photos....beautiful. love D&M xxxx
ReplyDeleteI never thought of constantly striving for perfection being a fake life and you are right! And yes, to do with fear! Thank you for such an interesting insight- I genuinely never thought of that!
ReplyDelete