This week has been all about adjustments! Since my husband and I bought our home two years ago, we have not had a chance to have our extended family over all together. I really wanted to make this happen before our little one joins us so we planned a potluck for Memorial Day. But I had to make a decision before I decided officially to plan the party. I had to promise myself that I would only cook if I felt up to it and really had time. Because I am a recovering perfectionist when it comes to my home and entertaining, this was so hard for me! Cooking is another favorite of mine and I really enjoy sharing it with my family and friends when we entertain. However, as I learn to adjust to my new normal I have to make myself only commit to doing what is reasonable. My wonderful husband had agreed to grill whatever I bought and I needed to just relax and let that be our “potluck item” to add to the others instead of trying to be Mrs. Chef.
So two weeks ago, I made that decision and made myself stick to it! Man, I am so glad I did! One of the symptoms I’ve dealt with since being pregnant is insomnia. So on the morning of Memorial day, I woke up at 3:26am wide awake as though it was 9:00am! I tried my best to go back to sleep but eventually gave up. Since I had to work from 7-1, I knew this was going to be a looooog day. And it was! I got some rest between work and the party but not much. But the party turned out GREAT! Had I decided to cook 15 things like I wanted to (im exaggerating…maybe 4 dishes.lol) I would have been too tired to even enjoy this party I had been anticipating for all this time!
So, does this hit home for you at all? Are you a perfectionist that has to have everything right in every situation? I used to define my success by the level of my perfection but operating this way left me discontent and misguided. I’m learning the importance of defining success as gradual improvement based upon my level of focus and I want to encourage you to join me in this journey. Our paths to fulfilling our God-given purposes will present challenges but if we define our success by gradual progress rather than perfection we will not only fulfill our purposes but enjoy the journey.
Comment below and share how you are enjoying the journey of purpose and denying the temptations to be perfect.
#walkinginpurpose