GRACE found me.
This quarantine has been more difficult than what we started at the beginning of March. Maybe because we were able to spend so much time at the lake with friends and family around. Maybe because the last one was an adventure in survival and this one seems more like real life.
I don't know. But whatever the reason, it's tougher. I don't focus on anything. I spend too much time on mindless Facebook games. I start projects and abandon them (and leave the mess). Start a book and abandon it. Start a blog post and abandon it.
And other people? I have horrible conversations with others, all in my head, of course. But still. I rail at them for not living up to some perfectionist standard I've created in my head.
I feel like an imposter at times.
Horrible wife, mom, grandma, and friend. Why didn't I create wonderful holiday get-togethers on Zoom? Why didn't I think to ship each Christmas gift in separate boxes instead of one big one? Why didn't I send more cards and letters? Why didn't I blog more? Why didn't I...
Well, you name it. But why didn't I...
Stupid perfectionist ideals.
And one day, a little voice in my head said, "Why don't you give yourself a little GRACE?"
So I did.
I can't be perfect during this trying time--well, anytime, actually. But especially now. I don't have to learn a new language, repaint the entire house, organize all my pictures, and keep an immaculate house. Who the heck is that perfect?
And then yesterday, I found this quote by Morgan Harper Nichols:
A year ago you did not know today.
You did not know how you'd make it here.
But, you made it here.
BY GRACE
You made it here.
And so I start the year being kind to myself and others and living by grace, not perfection.
I love this word so much!!! It was a contender for my word too. Here's to a year of GRACE!!! Happy Notebooking!
ReplyDeleteYes, we must all extend ourselves some grace. What a special word. I love that quote. It does seem like a good one to live by. May your new year be full of GRACE.
ReplyDeleteWe absolutely have to extend grace to ourselves - before we ever can to others, really. It's a much-needed word in our world today. It implies a thankfulness and forgiveness that so needs remembering (as in your quote). I say this as a person often struggling with those "stupid perfectionist ideals."
ReplyDeleteI needed to read this so much. I've struggled with the same things this year, especially those perfectionist ideals! I am wishing you (and me, and all of us) lots of grace this year.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful OLW. Compassionate. May it nurture you in 2021 and beyond.
ReplyDeleteLiving by grace, a beautiful intention!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely reflection.Thank you!
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