Perfectionism — How It Can Kill The Christmas Spirit! (Part 1)
As I write this, it’s Christmas Night, 2009.
The dinner has been cooked and eaten, the presents unwrapped, the friends have come and gone, and the kids have left with their families.
Now it’s just Rosemary and I sitting here reflecting on the day’s events.
You know what ? It wasn’t perfect.
And you know what else?
It doesn’t matter.
Now Much Time Do You Waste?
If you’re like me, you’re a perfectionist. I strive to make everything JUST RIGHT. And if its not, it really bugs me.
At least it used to.
But I have changed over the last couple of years. Perhaps it’s because I’m getting older (and a little sentimental after watching The Bucket List –watch this DVD if you haven’t already). Maybe it has something to do with Rosemary’s bout with breast cancer last year.
I don’t know.
All I know is that I have spent WAY too much of my life trying to make everything perfect…. and trying to please others.
And at the end of the day, perfectionism isn’t all its cracked up to be.
Take your Christmas this year. How was it?
- Did everyone go ballistic over their presents?
- Was your dinner the best you’ve ever prepared?
- Did you in-laws get along with your parents?
- Were you one big happy family like on The Cosby Show or The Waltons?
Chances are, the answer to one or more (or all) of these questions was a resounding NO.
And you know what? It’s okay!
Christmas if a time for family, for friends, and for love. The Christmas spirit doesn’t require you to be perfect, because next year no one will remember what wasn’t.
They won’t remember the dinner.
They won’t remember the decorations.
And most likely, the won’t even remember the gift they received.
What will they remember?
The feeling of LOVE in the house. The SECURITY your child felt just being in your home.
The feeling of WARMTH as people enter your house. The feeling of just being WELCOMED to be a part of your celebration.
That’s what people remember… not the material things.
THE FEELINGS!
So this Christmas, and throughout the NEW YEAR… give yourself a break.
STOP TRYING TO BE PERFECT.
It just doesn’t matter.
So tonight I ask you….
What was NOT perfect about YOUR Christmas…. and did it REALLY MATTER?
Til next time, I offer you glad tidings and Christmas cheer!
Dr. Bob Clarke
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