Present over Perfect

Today- make the choice to be present over perfect. We live in a world where everything is expected to be a certain way. Our society has attached expectations to everything. From the food we eat, to the clothes we wear, to the cars we drive and the places we go. We believe we need to be perfect in order to fit in. We need the perfect job. The perfect haircut. The perfect outfit. The perfect photo. The perfect weekend getaway. Or... at least - we try to make it seem that way... We know, all of us know, deep down inside, that nothing is ever perfect. Only because we do not allow it to be. We have created an idea in our minds of what things "should" be like and when something is different, we no longer accept it as perfect. When it really is exactly as it should be. For example, we often organize our homes and living spaces and decorate them to make us feel cozy and comfy and happy. As the week unfolds and brings messiness and clutter and disorder - our living space changes. We can get frustrated by things being out of place. We can get irritated by dishes in the sink, or the kids toys on the floor. This is where we lose our idea of perfection. BUT, this is exactly where we are wrong. In this messy, cluttered, busy moment, everything is perfect and exactly as it should be. In this moment, we can chose to be present in the disorganization and take in the experience it brings. We try to be so many things, husbands, wives, employees, bosses, yogis, runners, dancers, trendsetters, babysitters, shoppers, sisters, brothers, pet owners, daughters, sons, friends, neighbors. Titles upon titles upon titles. What a pleasure, but also - how exhausting, when we insist on doing it all perfectly. Think of all of the hats you wear in one single day. Is it really possible to do every single one perfectly? The problem is when we are so wrapped up in being the perfect daugher, wife, friend, employee, student, dog mom, etc. we lose the present. In the moments where we are running around, trying to make it to the gym, stop at the grovery store, grab the right snack to eat, get the laundry done, pick up the mail, call the doctor, get the car washed, make sure our hair looks ok, keep our makeup in place, grab the right outfit---- this is where we are missing the perfect moments. We are missing why we do all of these things in the first place. We do them to build a life we can enjoy. From work to leisure, we want to build a life that feels joyful. Not perfect, but JOYFUL. And if we can slow down, and not pretend to be perfect, and not pretend to have it all together - we can be far more present to enjoy all of the moments that pass us by in a complete rush.

Rush to perfection. Rush to pretending. Rush to nowhere. Look around you, right now, in this very moment. Everything is not perfect. You might have woken up late, or forgot to do an errand yesterday, or maybe feel stressed about things you have to do tomorrow. But the truth is, none of those things are detrimental right now. Those imperfect things are taking up space in your mind though. Take the mindspace, and reclaim it to the present moment. Here are a few tips to try when you notice your mind drifting into the perfection seeking" SMELL. Stop and smell the roses - Literally. What do you smell in the moment where your mind is racing? IS it pleasant? Unpleasant? DOes not matter. Just focus your mind to your senses. Your senses will quickly and effectively reattach you to your present. Extra tip, buy a small bottle of a special sent you like and keep it in your car, or at your desk at work. Get into the habit of associating your scent with your present. COLOR. One of the things we become numb to are the colors around us. Everywhere we go there are new colors, old colors, bold colors, and subutle ones too. When is the last time you took a moment to name all of the colors you see at any given time? Try it. Take a walk and see how many colors you can name. If you cant take a walk, look out of your window, this is a great thing to do when stuck in traffic. Redirect your focus and keep your mind from wandering into "all of the things you have to do to make life seem perfect." Life already is, let the colors around you remind you of that. SOUND. We get used to hearing the wind outside. We are used to hearing the sound of traffic rushing by. We are tired of hearing the sounds of cell phones and devices. But what other sounds are there, hidden in the bustle? When you start thinking of what you wore today, and the meal you need to prepare tonight, and the report you should revise for the third time. Stop. Listen for the sounds of your present. Everything you have already done up until now is already good enough. Listen for your calm. Return to your moment. HANDS. One of the sentimental things I look to in moments where I seek perfection, is looking at my two hands. For me, covered in tattoos, they are perfect, they are flawed, they are true. Look at yours, look at the back, look at any scars, look at your palms, look at your fingertips. Really look. No other person in this universe has those same hands. How many moments your hands have created? How many lives your hands have touched? How many places your hands have felt? how far have your hands taken you? Our hands are not often talked about, or given much thought to. But without them, how much would we have missed in our lives?! Examine your hands often, and remind yourself of this immense present gift. DATE. Today is January fifth two thousand and eighteen. We are literally living in the future. We have made it so far in this journey of life. From the 80's to the 90's to the new millennium, and beyond! We are people of the future. In everything we do, we are already living in perfection. We do not need to pretend to be anything else than what we already are. All we need to do is be present for this existence. Be fully present for all that we are given, and all that we are. Anyone from the 1920's would look at your life and wish for such a perfect life, with cell phones and electric cars and such, lol! When you are slipping away, repeat the full date to yourself out loud a few times. Feel it sink in and return to your perfect present. We spend so much time looking at screens. The screens are always feeding us perfect images. Feeding us false realities. Feeding us nonsense and NO SENSE. The perfect pictures on your iphone should not be your measure of perfection. Your own true, authentic, present life is the only measure of perfection. Savor all of your perfection. try some of these exercises next week, assign one to each day, and let me know how it goes! If you enjoyed this read, please share with your friends and family! Stay present friends! #presentoverperfect *to learn more look for "Present over Perfect" by Shauna Niequiest on Audible or any bookstore!