Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist
As a mom, and a woman, and, well, an over-achiever in general, I often struggle with perfection. The desire and need to do it all. And do it all well. And be pretty damn near perfect. And you know what? It's fucking hard. Like legit REALLY hard. Why? Because perfection doesn't exist.
There. I said it.
This book has spoken to me in more ways than I can count and I encourage you to read it. If you don't already own it, run out and buy it. While I read it, I tab pages that I feel 'speak to me'. Well, guess what? Almost every page is tabbed. THAT, my friends, is the sign of a great book!
A few lines form her books make quite an impact...
“But you can’t have yes without no. Another way to say it: if you’re not careful with your yeses, you start to say no to some very important things without even realizing it. In my rampant yes-yes-yes-ing, I said no, without intending to, to rest, to peace, to groundedness, to listening, to deep and slow connection, built over years instead of moments.”
I say yes too many times. My best friend does too. In fact, her resolution was to say no this year. Has she? Not often enough. But she's starting to. Have I? Nope. I need to start saying no. Seriously. Who else has that issue besides me? Ok good, you do too. People say no to me alllll the time, so why can't I do the same to them?! By never saying no, I get overwhelmed and miss out on moments and quiet time and most importantly, ME time.
“How we live matters, and what you choose to own will shape your life, whether you choose to admit it or not. Let's live lightly, freely, courageously, surrounded only by what brings joy, simplicity, and beauty.”
This. YES. This. How are we shaping our lives?! Are we surrounding ourselves with what brings us joy or are we more preoccupied with everything looking like a Pottery Barn catalog or vintage farm house?! I try so hard to have what is in my home and my surroundings meaningful but sometimes that catalog is just soooo appealing. Know what I'm sayin?!
“I don't want to get to the end of my life and look back and realize that the best thing about me was I was organized.”
This is hard for me. Because I'm OCD and a professional organizer. And being organized is one of my traits. BUT I do want to look back when I'm at the end and relish in my life and how great it was. Not how everything had it's place and was in it's place. So for now, that pile of books will remain on the floor and I'll walk on by and enjoy a glass of wine and read a book instead of picking it up.
Choosing to be present over perfect. I'm giving it a try. Wanna join me?!
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