06/12/2018
“Perfectionism is a self-destructive and addictive belief system that fuels this primary thought: If I look perfect and do everything perfectly I can avoid or minimize painful feelings of shame, judgment and blame” -Brene Brown.
Today I want to share one of my favorite quotes by one of my favorite authors, Brene Brown. If you’re anything like me, the creative and artistic soul, you’re probably also deeply sensitive, overly analytical and perfectionistic, which puts you in the direct path of some highly dangerous emotional weather storms triggered by perfectionism. Hello shame-storms (a term coined by ) and self-judgment hurricanes. Goodbye serenity, acceptance, self-tolerance, and all things zen.
Perfectionism can take on many forms. It presents itself as Martha Stewart dinners, insta-drooly vacations, ( I know, made up word) Pinterest-perfect homes.
Perfectionism can also be turned inward, it lurks in the unseen corners of your heart. There’s this little hidden conference room in your heart where you attend to all your self-blame talks and self-judgement meetings. Where you are your worst and harshest boss.
For me personally, perfectionism was a survivors skill that was totally necessary at certain points to survive, to grow, to break free from traumatic events. My self-judgement and self-demands pushed me out of my comfort zone, forced me to overcome and thrive. But today, as an adult, I have come to learn that does more harm than good. The time has come to lovingly thank perfectionism for its service to me and to send it on its way. To invite more serenity and joy into my life.
Have you ever had to send off certain attitudes and behaviors that were useful at one point but then toxic and harmful later on? Do share!
