Parenting Blog

“Perfection is the lowest standard any human can have.” -- Heather T. Forbes

I got a lot of mail in response to yesterday's Daily Inspiration offering Ten Steps to Heal Your Ability to Love Unconditionally.  Many of you asked for more support in tackling these ten steps.  So in our next ten daily inspirations, we'll take each of these tasks in turn. 

Today:  Forgive yourself for being human and therefore imperfect. Start by changing how you talk to yourself. Every time you notice self-criticism, remind yourself that your goal isn’t perfection, your goal is loving yourself and others.

If you recorded the chatter in your mind, you'd think you were supposed to be perfect:  "That was dumb... Now you've done it....Sometimes I'm an idiot....I'm so fat....I'm just not good enough....I just know she'll be mad at me for this....I'll never be able to do this...I should have known better..."

Guess what?  You aren't perfect.  You never will be.  You're human.
But don't worry, the goal is not perfection.  That's the lowest standard we can use.  Why?
Seeking perfection always turns us away from love.
If you believe, as I do, that one of the purposes of life is expanding the love in your heart and in the world, then questing after perfection will just get in your way.

Instead, offer yourself loving support. Change your chatter: "Nobody bats 1000....Don't worry, it will be ok in the end.....I'm so grateful for this strong, healthy, body.....I am more than enough....You can handle this....Practice makes perfect...I learn something every day... Easy does it...This too shall pass...."

If you fill yourself with love, it can't help but overflow to everyone around you. Go ahead.  Nurture yourself with infinite tenderness.  Let your heart stretch past its boundaries.  There is nothing you need to change or do to deserve love. You're already more than enough, just the way you are.