Perfect Just the Way You Are

 

Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you were meant to be. ~George Sheehan

I LOVE the feeling of new beginnings--my birthday, a new school year, and best of all a brand new year!  I've got a clean slate--a fresh new start, and another chance to commit to the health, love, and life I want for myself.  Today (and everyday for that matter) I get to consciously design my destiny for 2012 exactly the way I want it to be.

As this year began, I felt hopeful.  I had grand ideas about what I was going to accomplish.  They were the usual things--be more spiritual, thinner, more organized, and just a wee bit closer to perfect.  I read books about goal setting, made a list of things I'd like to achieve, and then . . . froze!  I couldn't start any of them. You see, I have this disorder called PERFECTIONISM.  If I can't do something perfect, I shy away from doing it at all.  Now, I know this is stupid.  I mean, honestly, if I can't eat perfectly or exercise every day of the week, 3, 4, or 5 out of 7 is better than nothing, right?   Intellectually, I get that.  But it's still something I struggle with every single day.  It causes me a TON of frustration and feelings of inadequacy.

As a result, I've been reading a lot about personal motivation, happiness, and change; looking for something that will make a difference in my perspective. One author advocates telling yourself, "I'm perfect and worthwhile just the way I am." Let me repeat that . . .

I'm perfect and worthwhile just the way I am. 

And so are you!!

I think it's time that we all resolve to accept and love ourselves exactly where we are. Without all the improvements that we could doubtless make, without the pressure to be better. Without the voice of our mother, or father, or third grade teacher that we carry in our head.

What a concept, to just be at peace with who and what we are right now. Does this mean that we should remain stagnant or refuse to make changes that would benefit our lives? Not at all! It simply means loving yourself now!

So that is my goal this year.  I'm going to learn to love myself.

As far as dealing with the issue of perfection, I've decided rather than tackling everything at once, I'm going to make one small goal per month.  I figure working on the same thing all month will allow the necessary time to cultivate some new healthy habits.  I figure if I work on 12 new habits this year and if even half of them stick, I'll be closer to my ultimate goals of health and happiness.

How about you?  What are your goals for this year, and what's your plan of attack?

A Personal Look at the Prophet

This week, I had the privilege of attending a meeting where Ann Dibb, the second counselor in the Young Women's general presideny, spoke.  She is also the daughter of President Thomas S. Monson. 

She talked about a variety of things including self confidence, problem solving, overcoming temptations, and embracing virtue.

She also presented the 100% challenge, and said that simply following it 100% of the time would make a distinct impact on our lives. The challenge includes three things:

1.  Pray morning and night.
2.  Read 5 minutes in the scriptures each day.
3.  Smile

I can do these.  I'm putting them on my to do list--I'll let you know how it goes.

Sister Dibb bore her testimony of the importance of having a prophet on the earth who is mindful of our needs today.  At the conclusion of her meeting she opened it up for questions about her father, the prophet.  It was fun to see him through her eyes.

Ann said she is a whiner and often feels sorry for herself and that her father is constantly trying to help her look on the bright side.  He often counsels her to let things go when there is no resolution.  Ann joked, "I do--after a few years."

She shared the fact that she often has the desire to go shopping on Sunday,but that she doesn't because she knows she would run into someone and get caught. President Monson reassured her that was not the real reason she doesn't go. It was refreshing to me to hear that this strong, amazing woman had a weakness like this. It made me respect her more.

I learned many fun tidbits about the prophet such as chocolate calls to him, and he whistles when he's happy. He has pigeons, loves musicals, fishing, springer spaniels, and going to the Utah Jazz games.

The question was asked if she could call her father anytime she wanted to talk to him. She said she's respectful of his time, knowing he has many important meetings to attend, but that she can call him when she needs him. She joked about the fact that she has to be conscious about leaving her ringer on so that he can call her. She said he leaves funny messages when she doesn't answer. "I just keep leavin' these messages . . ."

Her display included many candid pictures of her mother and father and said President Monson loves pictures of his wife. She said if you want to watch TV like the prophet, watch Perry Mason, Antiques Roadshow, Lawrence Welk, sports, and the news.

She closed by emphasizing that her father is not perfect, but she loves him anyway, and expressing gratitude for the example he sets of making others feel important and loved.

The evening with my daughters was one well spent. Sister Dibb's thoughts were very inspiring, and I left the meeting determined to be and do better, but also with the realization that I really am on the right path.

BIAM Goal

Woohoo! I met my writing goal on Monday, so I get to use this cute sign. Thanks Tristi!