...because I am one.
I'm the type of person who will be writing a card or a letter to someone and if I happen to write the wrong word, or- heaven forbid- misspell something, I do not cross out that word and begin where I left off. Nor do I use white-out. (It flakes off, don't you know?) What I do is this: I throw the card away and start over again.
For those of you who may be like me in this area, you know that when your children are helping you, you have this strong urge to do things over again.
For instance, when my daughter (4), helps me fold the laundry, her little stack of folded washclothes and towels isn't so little. It's lumpy. And the corners are mismatched. It can be very difficult for me to put those little piles away without doing a bit of retouching on her folding. But I refrain.
And last week, she was helping me snip and cut the beans from our garden. I watched (and winced) as she cut her beans in tiny little pieces. I even cut a sample size for her and laid it on her cutting board for inspiration. It never struck.
But I have learned that there is great joy for me in pulling those little lumpy washclothes out of the drawer. And I was delighted the other night at dinner when I saw those little bits of beans.
Now if I could just figure out why my perfectionistic tendancies aren't really bothered by the piles of clutter around my house...
Aug. 14, 2006 - Hello Stacy!
ReplyDeletePosted by Joni
Long time, no blog for me! But I loved this post. I, too, struggle with perfectionism. I've also cringed as I've put very unevenly folded washclothes into my drawers. But like you, I enjoy getting them out and reflecting on how special the child who folded them is to me. I also need the help! What can I say?!? ;)
As mentioned above, I've been quite infrequent in my blogging lately due to a season of busyness. But, I did receive a question from you a while back about the Daniel study by Beth Moore. To answer that, yes, it is a more video driven study. I'd say in the past that it was easy to complete the daily homework without the video sessions, but with this study it would be very difficult. Each week, the lessons refer to the video sessions. Especially when you get to the eschatology part of the study after week 6, you'd need the videos, I'd think, because it's difficult information. One thing you can do if the videos are not available is purchase the CDs. That's a cheaper alternative if seeing the videos won't work for you. I do love the study and would highly recommend it. That's my two cents. Hope this helps! And sorry for the very delayed response!
Warmly,
Joni
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Aug. 14, 2006 - You are such a good mommy!!
Posted by Michelle
A good reminder to me that I need to hold my helpful advice sometimes (with my kids, AND husband!!) and be thankful for the effort!
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Aug. 14, 2006 - funny perfectionists
Posted by reformingmama
It is funny how we can be in some areas and not in others. I have always appreciated the quality of products that you produce (cards, cooking, crafts, etc) and have known I don't have it in me. But I do tend to really care about other things (although these are changing with each day I spend with my growing family).
I have a feeling your sweet girl is going to be able to turn out products as good as you real soon. Good job being patient until then! Although if yout think about it you have had some practice with patience in this area with me as a friend!
Your imperfect friend, Amy.
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Aug. 14, 2006 - me too....
Posted by AussieinAmerica
I also struggle with this. My daughter does too. Actually - so does my husband ...oh dear!
Stacy
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Aug. 16, 2006 - For those who commented....
Posted by reformingmama
Joni-
I know! Welcome back! :)
Thanks so much for the Daniel-study info! :) I may have to do the audio when the time comes... thanks for the heads-up! :)
Michelle-
You are sweet to always comment on our blog. I like you!
Amy-
Your whole "quality of products that you produce" made me laugh. You act like I run a factory or something!
Stacy-
:) Huh. Sounds like a fun household! :))
~Stacy