PERFECTIONISM

Perfectionism is an unyielding, brutal dictator that can take over my life if I’m not paying attention, especially when I’m scared and feeling a lack of control.  There is a part of me that likes to strive for flawlessness and mistakenly believes that I am worthless if I am less than perfect.  This part used to rule with an iron glove and paralyze me.  Fortunately, I have learned to recognize the young girl who tries so hard to achieve the illusion of perfection as she hides behind a curtain of distortion like the Wizard did in Oz.  I can now relieve her from duty fairly fast by reassuring her that she is accepted and loved no matter what she says, does, thinks, needs, or feels.  I remind her that she is human and that her mistakes help her learn and grow.  I comfort her by letting her know that her worth and value isn’t defined by what she does but rather by who she is.  I encourage her to trust herself and those I bring into her life and assure her that she is safe from abandonment or betrayal.  She is usually ready to let go of working so hard and hands control back to me with a sigh of relief. 

Today, I will slow down and recognize my need for reassurance and comfort.  I will acknowledge the worth and value of my being and affirm I am enough.  I can let go of the search for perfection and accept myself and this moment as it is.