Going Back

 Do you ever go back and read your posts from the beginning of you blog?

This morning I had a subject in mind and thought I should probably go back and make sure I wouldn't totally be repeating myself.  It really is an entertaining exercise to browse through your own work,  to revisit what was important a few years ago.

Scrolling through several post I found pictures (many my own) mysteriously missing, big squares with a question mark taking their place.  In others,  pictures have been rotated.  I visited my photo bank to try to figure out what happened.  You know me, I wanted (needed) to correct it.   I still haven't a clue.  

A few (and I repeat a few) posts I read,  and thought "wow, did I really write that?"  Others
caused my cheeks to turn red.   One thing I realized, I believe I mentioned this a few weeks ago, I have ventured from my original course when I wrote from my heart. 

Anyway, I have been working on a post (not the one sending me to the archives) when what should appear before my searching eyes, but the perfect post from two years ago. 

The post was on perfection or the lack of.   I often describe myself as a perfectionist.  There is a misconceived notion the perfectionist believe they are perfect or can achieve perfection.  This is absolutely not true. Though we know perfection is unattainable we do have high expectations for ourselves, and when we fail to meet them we are heavy handed with self-criticism.  Often the inability to achieve perfection, making a mistake, or the fear of doing anything less can cause the perfectionist to shut down.  

 "Perfectionist" is not a description worn as a badge of honor.  It can be, in fact, painfully debilitating.  Is it something learned?  Or, are we just hardwired with the trait?  Who knows, probably a bit of both.  We smile and laugh at mistakes, but in silence they eat us alive.  I want to say we don't mind a mistake being brought to our attention; in some way this is true.  Don't think for a minute though we have the natural ability to just walk away and let it go.  We expect far more from ourselves than from others.  Please don't tell a perfectionist not to take criticism personally...it is personal...in our mind we have failed miserably.  

I wanted to revisit this subject now as the first day of school is quickly approaching for so many.  There are a lot of little (and big) perfectionists headed into the classroom.  Lets be gentle in correcting and teach our children, young and old,  doing one's best is the only perfection needed and... it is enough.   In the classroom, I try to point out my own mistakes.  This has actually helped me as well.  It is important that those who correct be willing to point out their own mistakes.  

"Physician, heal thyself"
I'm working on it!!!
I'm hitting publish and walking away...
                                                                                                                            I'm walking away.

I hope you are having a grand week!