Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Day 34: Lenten Sacrifice

Today is Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent. A time of preparation, of self-reflection, soul-searching, repentance. Traditionally one makes a sacrifice or promise during this time, demonstrative of their repentance. I thought a lot  about what that means for me this year, having had somewhat of a spiritual awakening. Since I can't give up food or feelings (sorry, little anorexic humor there), I have decided through self-reflection to abandon perfectionism. For 40 days I will greet the day accepting that I am not perfect, reside in humility rather than expectation. Life rather than fear and paralysis.
Here is the reading from "For Today:"

The maxim, "Nothing avails but perfection," may be spelled "paralysis."
-Sir Winston Churchill

"For today: Perfectionism is another obsession, and I pray to be relieved of it. I do the necessary footwork by taking one small step toward a project or activity I have been putting off."

Perfectionism counters growth and acceptance. One tangible way that I will do this is to give up weighing myself. I am not a number. I am a living breathing imperfect human being.

Bring it on Lent.

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