Thursday; April 16

Are we perfectionists?  In all honesty, I never really thought of myself as one (I mean I never erased the wrong answer until I obliterated the paper as well as the pencil markings); however, the older I get, the more I feel like I am tending in that direction.  The other day, I came across a definition from the “Verywell Mind” that identified a perfectionist as someone “who relentlessly strives for flawlessness, setting extremely high, often unrealistic standards for themselves or others. They are deeply meticulous, detail-oriented, and often driven by a fear of failure or mistakes, frequently equating their self-worth with their performance”.  You know, the more I think about it, the closer I get.  Now, here is the odd part about this observation – I will be the first one to tell you I am not perfect nor do I believe we live in a society that can be perfect; however, that doesn’t make my failure any easier to accept.  When I look at the words from the definition, I can’t necessarily relate; however, when I feel the feelings of failure or fear making mistakes, I begin to wonder.  I have often told myself that I don’t mind making mistakes, I just don’t want people to be disappointed in me when I do.  Upon further review, maybe I am trying to be too perfect.

While I think we should all strive to do a good job, is it time to cut ourselves a little slack?  When we intellectually and emotionally accept that we are fallible we might be able to enjoy life more.  Remember, most likely the only ones who expect us to be perfect are ourselves.  If we were to strive to be “good enough” could we start to enjoy life even more?

Think About It!

Popular posts from this blog

Tuesday; May 27

Are you having a tough day today?  If so, why?  What has gotten you so wound up that you can’t relax and rejoice?  On those days when I have a bad day, I am finding that the cause is often something outside my control.  Maybe it is an argument between co-workers.  There are times it is a news story that has captured my attention.  As trivial as it seems, it might even be the fact that my favorite team is in a losing streak.  You know, there are times when it doesn’t seem to take much to suck the life out of me.  Now, while this may seem to be rather simplistic, I think there is some positive news.  You see, if it is something this simple that can make me feel bad, shouldn’t it also be true that something simple just might be able to pull me out of the doldrums.  If we are facing a bad day (not one of those terrible, horrible, no good very bad days … just a bad day), could it be that we just need something to turn it around?  As I wa...
Read more

Friday; May 30

Not long ago, I was watching a television program that featured an example of a satirical snippet of a religious discussion.  Upon reflection of their beliefs one person told the other, “I do not object to the concept of a deity, but I am baffled by the notion of one that takes attendance.”.  While this seems to smack in the face of traditional religion, in kind of a backwards way, I get it.  If we are going to worship an awesome God, why would we want to serve one who cares if we showed up on Sunday mornings?  In other words, if God is as great as He claims to be (which I believe He is) why would His ego need to be stroked by whether we (His creation) showed up to worship Him?  If He knows He is sovereign, why does He care what we think about Him?  Now hear me out on this … I am saying I understand the confusion – not that I agree with the rationale.  You see, while there is something to the concept of God’s creation honoring the God who created them,...
Read more

Tuesday; May 13

Today is a special day for me.  While the official Law Enforcement Memorial Day is May 15, the Law Enforcement Candlelight Vigil is traditionally held on the evening of May 13.  It is true that people from all around the country honor the Law Enforcement Community on the 15 th – and many people gather in our nation’s capital to mark the event – it is in the quiet somberness that I find the most heartfelt emotion.  People gather together on the National Mall to hear a roll call of the names of our heroes and light candles in unison to remember the sacrifice these officers made for their community.  Standing there with thousands of friends, families and fans of these often unsung heroes fills my heart with joy and my soul with sadness.  Every once in a while, I will hear the name of someone connected to me, but even if they are all strangers to me, there is a relationship.  I have been blessed to have a connection to the police world for thirty years now and...
Read more