Pondering Perfection.............

Nothing in this world is perfect, so why do we hold ourselves to standards of perfection?  It is important as we build self-esteem to know that mistakes will be made as we learn and grow.  The best things we can do are to acknowledge inevitable mistakes, accept the consequences, learn from them and move on. We all need and deserve a margin of error.  If we make mistakes without making amends, there will always be the part of us that holds onto guilt, unless we process it. It's easier and better for our personal growth to work through guilt by making amends and moving on. In that way, we accept and realize that we are not perfect.  It's actually freeing to know that we are good enough just the way we are.

To know innately that our best is good enough is a huge epiphany for the people that are chronically too hard on themselves.  The "shoulda/coulda/woulda" mentality makes us less confident internally.  We have to believe our best is good enough in order to live our best lives.  We can strive for greatness while understanding that each new skill or situation has a learning curve.

Marie Osmond once mentioned the pressure of being known as the "one-take Osmonds".  Americanprofile.com is quoted as saying, "Because of their meticulous preparation and mature-beyond-their-years professionalism, the brothers earned the nickname 'one-take Osmonds' on 'The Andy William's Show.'  Perfection, however, was impossible to maintain over a lifetime."  It took untold hours of rehearsal time to be known as "perfect".  In reality, the Osmonds looked flawless on camera because mistakes were made before they were filmed.  Having to live up to other peoples' expectations can become too much.

With the way we now communicate instantaneously and globally, mistakes are magnified and consequences become more painful.  We know practice is important in sports, music, education and public speaking.  Public ridicule for mistakes made in a candid moment of an average person can get out of hand quickly and come with disastrous results.

It is now improbable to believe we won't be caught off-guard saying or doing something that can become misunderstood or misinterpreted.  Hopefully, when that happens to us, we are given the benefit of the doubt and supported by those who know us well.

No one is perfect.  Most celebrities have publicists to mold and spin their words and actions; actors are able to redo scenes they disliked.  For the rest of us, forgiving ourselves and others for errors goes a long way in being able to change and grow without fear.

Have a great day!!

xo
Conni

Today's Mantra:  I know I am good enough.  When I make a mistake, I choose to make amends and move on.

Mantra for Every Day: I choose to send love to all; receiving love back multiplied in infinite proportions, creating and nurturing pathways of love.