Hello from Texas!
I'd like to introduce myself, but that's often a struggle because I feel split in so many directions that my identity can get a little lost. Unfortunately, I can be most accurately described as busy.
I try my best to be a lot of things - I'm a believer, a wife, a mom, a sister, a daughter, a marketing professional by day and a hand-lettering artist by night, a church volunteer, secret fan of Bravo TV, an avid reader, a friend... The list goes on and I'm sure many of you feel the same pressure of juggling identities and doing your best to keep it all afloat (sorry, I can't even keep a metaphor on track).
I just want to take this opportunity to tell you - I promise you're doing a great job at whatever it is you're juggling.
I've struggled with anxiety most of my life and it has always rooted in comparison and perfection (you can go ahead and add perfectionist to the list above). While some days I feel like I've got this adulting thing in control...I've also been the lady staring at my computer screen because my to-do list is so long I don't know where to start, and the lady crying in Target because my 2-year-old is crying in Target. This whole attempt at perfection just isn't flattering sometimes!
I'm in the midst of a new attempt to give myself grace and relax a bit on that unattainable bar I've set. It's not always going great, but I have been able to find rest and the ability to say ""No"" every once in a while!
This time of year can bring out the best and worst in people - my plea and my prayer for each of you is that you can find rest, as well as grace for yourself and others during this chaotic season that is ""the Holidays.""
I have a few thoughts I'm keeping top-of-mind to avoid a complete mental breakdown before 2018:
- Don't panic over winning the Listserve and lacking something poignant to say
- Get comfortable with my limits and be ok with saying ""No""
- Be actively thankful for time with my family
- Focus on one identity at a time
- Don't compare my reality to the perfection of social media
If you're feeling similar anxiety, I hope you know you're not alone! I invite you to join me in this attempt of humbling self-awareness and share any ideas you might have to help a struggling perfectionist make it through the most wonderful time of the year.
Happy (belated) Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Jordan
Jordan
Texas
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