Perfection....

Is it expected? Sometimes.

Is it achievable? Not sure.

So why do so many of us strive for it?

I ran across one of my many emails that had to do with resolutions that involve our health. And the idea of perfection or the all or nothing thinking.

This email is from Michele May, MD, author of "Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat" She is a proponent of mindful eating. Paying attention to the cues our body gives us to STOP eating so this information fits right in with the mindful eating frame of mind.  

Think of eating and physical activity as a pendulum with two extremes: All and Nothing. What happens if you draw a pendulum in one direction and let it go? Of course, it swings to the opposite extreme. Too often, this is how people approach their eating and exercise choices: all or nothing.

No individual snack, meal, or drink—or day on the couch—will ruin your picture of health, but a pattern of overconsumption or disregard for your health will affect the end result. Since perfection is not possible (or even necessary), find the balance in-between. When your eating and exercise plan take into account your schedule, preferences, goals, health concerns, and other issues specific to you, you’re able to establish a healthy lifestyle that is flexible enough to withstand the realities of your daily life.

Dr. May suggests finding the middle ground and also suggests we stop beating ourselves up when we don't reach the level of perfection that is either forced upon us or that we expect of ourselves.

What about you? Do you expect perfection for yourself? In your eating, your exercise, your sewing, your crafting? I know I do and take the all or nothing attitude at times so that I don't disappoint myself or those around me. Maybe I should start being 'mindful' of the outcome and not force myself to either strive for perfection or not even try.

Until next time....

Keep on Creating!!!