Monday motivation: perfectionism – mind, body and soul …

is absolutely impossible. There is only one perfect person … Jesus Christ.

Yet, even knowing that, I am a perfectionist. What does that mean? Honestly, it means I sometimes don’t follow through and complete tasks on my list. Ahhh … there, I said it. Put it in print. An example? Today, I spent 40 minutes on an email that should have likely taken only 10 minutes at the very most. I write it. Read it. Revise it. Read it. Revise it … again and again. In doing so, it’s likely I have rearranged words that in the end don’t even make sense … forgot to take out the first words out that I am replacing, etc. Can anyone relate to this? It also means I have to get out of my own way. You?

Mind: I know this is far from perfect. But there is potential. I have to be ok with learning at my own pace, and be diligent in that, but not obsessed. And even more important, seek wisdom and knowledge in scripture. Learn from my own mistakes and from others’ successes and mistakes.

Body/Appearance: Oh, the trials of trying to fit into society’s mold. Guilty on so many levels. As a fitness trainer, I want to look the part. Healthy. Problem is we have been told for far too long that healthy is supposed to be skinny, with perfect teeth, perfect hair, perfect clothes and even our makeup should be flawless. And I know better … even teach others not to think that way! Point in case … picture at the right. I am 40 l 2015-10-11 15.23.42 bs lighter than I once was … great achievement. (Due to my own math error – it is not minus 50lbs. Goes back to the mind part, I suppose. Math is not my best thing, and yes, I am well aware that that is simple addition/subtraction. Did I mention … not perfect?!) Even when I look at my pics – like the one on the right, I go immediately to the hips that are my trouble-spots. They are the hardest part for me to get in shape/back in shape. I don’t always like the appropriate exercises, because I cannot do them with perfect form. Good form, yes, perfect, no. So, I fret. And my hair … the roots are showing, and they are silver, which I’ll get fixed soon. Being satisfied, and not trying to look perfect … let’s face it, perfect is not an achievable reality in the first place. We have to give ourselves a break. Look your best, yes. I believe that is important. But I’ve recently had four of my very best friends tell me, independently, that I focus too much on my appearance. Yikes! I’m working on that.

Spirit: Oh, if only I was the perfect Christian. I do, however, try to be more like Christ every day as he commanded. More loving. Spend more time in His Word. Share my faith more. Depend on God more, myself less. Have to understanding that His plans are perfect, as is His timing, and they don’t always fit my thoughts and schedule. Crazy right? Rhetorical question. And we are all created in His image. WOW! So important to remember.

Romans 12:1-3
“1Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. 3For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.…”

On that note, I don’t ever think more highly of myself than others. But that, my friends, is a discussion for another post/time. Same friends say I don’t give myself enough credit. In case you are thinking I need new best friends, you are wrong. I love that I have real, true relationships where honesty is shared in love and kindness. And by the way, the feedback was solicited for a self-evaluation plan I am working on. It’s all good!