Progress, Not Perfection May 12, 2010
Posted by nrhatch in Gratitude, Happiness, Mindfulness.trackback
This morning, I planned to write a post about “Progress, Not Perfection” ~ not necessarily “this” post, but something related.
As I read through the morning’s e-mails, I came across one from a friend which included a rather opportune (synchronistic?) prayer, which I revised slightly to share here:
May we remember to access the peace within.
May we trust that we are exactly where we are meant to be.
May we not forget the infinite possibilities available here and now.
May we use our gifts wisely, and share our joy freely.
May we accept ourselves as we are.
May we allow our spirits the freedom to sing, dance, laugh, praise, and love.
May spirit remain ever present ~ a beacon to light our way.
While I loved the prayer as a whole, what jumped out at me this morning was the 5th line, which said (in the original version):
“May you be content with yourself just the way you are.”
Why should we do that?
Doesn’t that type of attitude and thinking give us permission to be lazy, and complacent, while hanging on to all of our bad habits?
Yes. Yes, it does.
It gives us permission to be exactly who we choose to be at this moment in time. So, if we choose to be lazy, and complacent, while hanging on to all our bad habits, that’s cool.
But . . . if we’re looking to maximize our happiness, and become the “best” that we can be, we don’t do that.
Instead, we strive to do what we can, with what we have, where we are.
We encourage ourselves to be the best we can be every day.
We see progress as the path unfolds before us.
We move forward through the journey of life, knowing that the “destination of perfection” is likely to remain ever elusive and outside our grasp:
* We learn to go with the flow, accept the “what is,” and embrace all with joy ~ except when we don’t.
* We pass Spiritual Milestones, and still find Ego getting in the way of our happiness.
* We sail without fear . . . except when we get a case of the Heebie Jeebies.
Progress, not perfection.
When we accept ourselves exactly as we are at this moment in time, we move ever closer to becoming who we were always intended to be.
Related post: Impressionism and Abstract Expressionism
Spirit Lights The Way 
The original version:
May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.
Man, Oh Man … is this ever true … just when I think, “I am doing really good, making progress, stepping forward, moving through my fears” … wham I get hit out of left field with feelings of fear and doubt. I ask myself, “We’ve done this already, why today?” And I guess the answer is because that is where I am at today. The journey of progress is a challange for recovering perfectionists! 😉
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Shannon.
Each journey of a thousand steps starts with one step forward . . . and two steps back. : )
That’s why I make a point of celebrating mini milestones . . .
To make sure that I remember to focus on how far I’ve come ~ even if I have miles to go before I sleep . . . under a Bodhi tree.
Celebrate Good Times. . . C’mon!
https://nrhatch.wordpress.com/2010/05/09/post-250-celebrate-good-times/
Thanks for reading, commenting, and sharing your stories. Here’s to your next spiritual milestone . . . ENJOY THE JOURNEY!
Wonderful, nr. Simply wonderful.
*#*
Life would be simpler if the path for each of us was straight and narrow (like Monopoly), instead of filled with twists and turns (like Candyland).
Of course, all the unexpected and unpredictable detours are what ultimately make life interesting, intriguing, and ever fascinating.
That make us wonder as we wander . . . where will I be 10 years from now?
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