Life is Messy… deal with it
I’m a recovered perfectionist. You know Perfectionists: bed has to be made in the morning before anything else can be done. Pillows on the couch have to be just so. The little salt and pepper shakers on the stove have a place where they belong, goshdarnit! And you can’t have handwritten notes, everything must be typed. And God help us if a hair is out of place, or someone sees your car or house a mess! (As if anyone spends their life watching your life for guidance! If they are, we’ll do a blog for you later on handling stalkers!)
Fortunately, I’m mostly over it. Nothing like having children and pets to help you understand the little tug on your sleeve is more important than how things look. Perfectionism is a shallow attempt at control: usually trying to control things that don’t matter. (Really, who gives a rat’s patootie if your freaking bed is made!?)
I felt much better about my new way of organizing things when I saw an expose on Albert Einstein. I’ve taken to piling things. I know what’s in every pile – I put it there. But my secretary takes her life into her hands if she tries to “straighten things out.”
The photo of Einstein in his office was wonderful! He had stacks of books, magazines, folders, files, paper everywhere. His office was as organized as his hair! This was a man on a mission and he didn’t have time to “make nice.” See – I’ve always told my family that my messy office is a sign of genius! I stand validated!
Life is NOT a straight line. A plus B doesn’t always equal C. We are responsible for our choices, but we don’t always have control over the consequences of those choices. We DO have responsibility for our response to the consequences, however.
You make a choice. The consequences weren’t what you hoped for. Oh Well! Now What? How can you respond to this in a way that makes it more of a win, or more palatable? If your response is just to try and control MORE, you’ll lose.
Sometimes the best response is to wait. Not try and control or force things too much. It’s tempting, because we all have our agendas. Detaching and watching things unfold can be much more powerful. And it’s easier on your immune system.
When I get too wrapped up and passionate about wanting things MY WAY, I remember those comforting words of Anne Lamott, “In a hundred years, all new people!” Works for me.
Happy Tuesday,
Beth
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Beth Terry is a Professional Speaker, Author, and Corporate Trainer. Have microphone, will travel! Enjoy her website and newsletters.
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