perfect protest

there's this researcher at University of Houston. she studies authenticity, vulnerability, shame, and courage. she's publishing a book about not being perfect.

first, how cool is that research?

second, wow.

Being our best selves is about cultivating the courage to be vulnerable, authentic, and imperfect.

Perfectionism, on the other hand, is the belief that if we live perfect, look perfect, and act perfect, we can minimize or avoid the pain of blame, judgment, and shame.

It's that simple.
--Brené Brown

talk about ringing true. i know that's something which i struggle (and pay for) everyday. and nothing really could be further from the truth, honestly.

i'm not perfect.

i'm in the midst of figuring out why i use it as a shield, but i know we all do. what's your knee jerk reaction to "how's it going?" we've been socialized to put up this front that we're all okay. i struggle, because i know that's good. there are times when i need to be okay (e.g., seeing clients, giving a presentation).

but what's tripped me up is that i don't take off that perfection shield when i get home, or when i'm with friends. and when i know i'm not okay.

so, in protest of this, i made a sign. i'm joining in against battle of perfectionism.

i encourage you to head over to her site. take a look at all the amazing photographs of people who are battling with imperfection. wanna join?

a disquiet

Recently, something has been happening in my spirit, my head, and my heart.

A kind of restlessness that I can't exactly pinpoint.

It's not that kind which feels like I'm not doing enough (Lord know I'm doing too much). It's that kind that feels like something is missing. But the question is, what?

The words authenticity, vulnerability, friendship, kindness, (im)perfection, and shame have been rolling around in my soul, but I don't yet know what it means.

Stay tuned.

Self-Analysis

We had our party, and I'll share blurry pictures with you later.

But for now,

Overhead (on TV):
"I don't know, you're the shrink."
"Yeah, but shrinks are notoriously bad at self-analysis."

Amen.