You Don’t Have to be the Perfect Everything

I’m taking a break from the food today for a little Tuesday self-care, self-love action!

You don’t have to be the perfect everything.
You don’t have to be it all.
You don’t have to do it all.

It is so easy to feel like we have to be everything to everyone.  STOP feeling that way and doing those things that make you feel like crap.  If you think being perfect will make you happy, you will never be happy.  Because guess what?  You will never be perfect.

Stop the fad diets in order to get the perfect body.  There is no perfect body.  Fad diets are unhealthy.  The way your body looks won’t make people love you.

Stop running five miles every day when your body is telling you not to.  Go to restorative yoga.  Go on a stroll in your neighborhood.  Rest.  You don’t have to be sweaty to be healthy.

Stop working in a job that you hate. An employment lawyer will help you in the process of responding to hostility in the workplace. Figure out what you love.  Get the education or experience you need to pursue it.  Go after it and stop worrying about what others think about it!

Stop sleeping less than eight hours per night because you need to “do it all.”  Sleep nine hours and take a nap.  Stop feeling guilty about giving your body what it needs.

Stop feeling like you need to be the perfect spouse, partner, child, friend, etc.  Those who love and care for you the most do not do so because of how flawless you are.

Stop saying yes to everything.  You don’t have to be on the go-go-go to be successful.  Saying no can make you happier, healthier, and nicer.  I don’t know about you, but I want to be all of those things.

Being it all, being perfect, and looking perfect is not what is important in life, nor is it practical.  What matters is doing the things that make you happy.  Because when you are happier, those around you are happier.  When you are happier, you are healthier.  When you are truly happy and kind to yourself (and others), life can be a true joy.

For me personally, this year has become the year where I have been more selfish.  Selfish because I’m not afraid to say no or turn down others’ requests.  Selfish because if I’m tired at 8:30, I tell Jeremy we have to stop watching Netflix and I go to bed.  Selfish because I spend a great deal of money on my health.  Selfish because a yoga class may win over a dinner date.

I used to think being selfish was a bad thing, but I have since changed my tune.  If being selfish means I am able to more easily make those tough decisions that better my life and my health, then that’s me.  And I’m owning it.

If being a bit selfish will make you happier, healthier, kinder, and more of a joy to be around, DO IT.  It might make you less “perfect,” but I sure as heck bet it will be worth it.  You’ll never be perfect.  You’ll never be everything.  I’m not asking you to be, and those who matter aren’t either.