That’s a tough one for me.  You see, if I get 99% on the test of life, I will skim over that accomplishment and focus on the 1% I got wrong.  I know perfection is an elusive concept, but it doesn’t stop me from always trying to attain it.  That is where I find myself right now.  I have recently reached 2 big milestones, but I am spending my time and energy focused on how much further I have yet to go.  Do any of you do the same thing, or is it just me?  For your sake, I hope it’s just me.

As I mentioned in early blog posts, I broke my wrist in December and had to have follow-up bone cancer scans in January (from my biopsy scare in October).  The great news is my cast is off and my follow-up scans came back clear!!  Instead of savoring that news, I am now focusing on how far I have to go to get back strength and range of motion in my stiff and achy wrist and the fact that my cancer doctor wants to do yet another complete set of follow-up cancer scans in 3 more months, to be sure I am indeed all clear.  Don’t get me wrong, I am thrilled my cast is finally off and I am even more thrilled my January scans came back clear!!  Why can’t I just rest there for a while?  Instead, I’m on to the next thing that must be accomplished and must be accomplished right now.  Would I treat a friend this way?  Is that advice I would offer to a loved one?  No!  If a friend came to me with this perfectionistic attitude, I would tell her she should be so proud of all she’s already done and that trying to be perfect is not something to strive for, unless never succeeding is her top priority.  She needs to remember that that same strength that has gotten her this far will continue to carry her through all she has yet to complete.  That sounds like pretty good advice, doesn’t it?  Maybe I will try viewing myself through the eyes I use for those I love.  After all, shouldn’t we be kind to and love ourselves?  If perfection is something you struggle with, maybe you should give that perspective a try too.  Let’s all agree to begin viewing ourselves through a lens of grace.  Ahh, I feel lighter already.