A note from my new friend Deepti, prompted me to quickly write and share a few words this morning. She was kind enough to give my blog a “shout out” in her piece on overcoming the fears of public speaking and imperfection. I’d like to say that what you’ll read below is divinely inspired as a result of weekly writing practice drills while sipping tea, and meditating…but it’s not.
Typically, I write several times a day and any time the urge comes over me. This week, I’ve barely touched the computer and my journal is dusty and unopened. The prompt to write today came after I got out of bed too late, under-caffeinated, sleep-deprived and completely stressed about the Friday that waits for me. It also came from the words blaring in my brain, “Crap! I can’t have Deepti’s followers check out my site. It’s full of junk right now. I suck!”
I’ve been fighting a negative (toxic) voice that has pushed me to the brink of paralyzing writer’s block. In the spirit of being vulnerable, real and imperfect, I’m going to come clean. I could blame real job messes, house messes, sleep deprivation and absolutely NO food in this house..ANYWHERE. Lot’s of reasons to not be able to write, but I’d be flat-out lying.
I haven’t been able to write simply because I don’t think it’s good enough or read-worthy. Because it’s not perfect. Because I’m not perfect. A classic case of being paralyzed by the fear of not being perfect.
Reading Deepti’s kind words on her blog this morning (thank you talented friend) was uplifting, humbling and a fantastic kick in the butt! So this is me snapping out of fetal position and reclaiming my stake on achieving IMperfection as well as killing and smashing down the voice that keeps telling me I suck. I know I can’t be perfect, so how about mastering imperfection? I almost ran out of gas earlier this week so I have a head start on all y’all. And, since writer’s block is still looming (not to mention the 5 conference calls awaiting my presence) I’m going to simply re-publish what started this whole blog in the first place. Feel free to read if you haven’t already or re-read if you need a reminder.
Here’s the link to my original post: Celebrating Imperfection: Let’s get this party started!
Even better…a link to a dear fellow blogger who hits the nail on the head. Shout out to Victoria who wrote this fantastic article: Vulnerability: The birthplace of Creativity, Connection and Authenticity.
You are real, imperfect and you are SPECTACULAR!
Oh dear, aren’t we a pair. 😉 It seems that we are both defeated perfectionists and dealing with the fallout. I’m going to share an article with you, and I hope you will find it as encouraging and inspirational as I did. Another dear blogger friend, Colleen, reblogged the article and was it ever what I needed to read. You will find the reblog on the link I posted.
Michelle, thank you for the shout out and for your thoughtful words. Hope you have a fantastical weekend, and remember to take some ‘me time’ out for yourself.
ღ
Victoria
*Leaves aromatherapy soy candle and a jar of Arbonne ‘Unwind’ bath salts*
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Hey Friend!
Thank you SO much for the follow up articles. I read Ned’s right away and laughed the entire time! You are so good at reading people and knowing exactly what will resonate. I can’t wait to read the second one which will be just as relevant to my writer’s block hangover. Thanks so much…you’ve introduced me to some awesome and inspiring talent.
Have a fantastic week-end!!!
Michelle
> Date: Fri, 6 Dec 2013 22:11:02 +0000
> To: mt_rd@hotmail.com
>
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Hey Friend!
Thank you SO much for the follow up articles. I read Ned’s right away and laughed the entire time! You are so good at reading people and knowing exactly what will resonate. I can’t wait to read the second one which will be just as relevant to my writer’s block hangover. Thanks so much…you’ve introduced me to some awesome and inspiring talent.
Have a fantastic week-end!!!
Michelle
*happily retrieves the bath salts and candle XXOXOOOX
> Date: Fri, 6 Dec 2013 22:11:02 +0000
> To: mt_rd@hotmail.com
>
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Oops! My bad! There is no second article…I was aloft in the links 🙂
(heading to the tub RIGHT now!)
> Date: Fri, 6 Dec 2013 22:11:02 +0000
> To: mt_rd@hotmail.com
>
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Yay — so glad the article resonated with you. Enjoy your soak and your weekend. 😀
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I just wanted to take a moment to tell you both how much I appreciate your kind words, and also you enthusiasm and love of writing. Things that bring happiness on that level in life aren’t easy to find for many people. I’m truly happy you’ve discovered that joy with writing. As opposed to nude skydiving or competitive speed smelting.
Cheers to you both!
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No nude skydiving?!? Dang it! That was my Plan B should the writing and real job not work out.
(Thanks for taking the time to respond..I know you’re a busy man!)
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Ha! My pleasure, Michelle! Lately, I don’t get to read the blogs I follow nearly as much as I want, so I try to sit down and catch up over the weekend. I’m sure you’ll figure out my pattern.
Oh, and don’t give up the nude skydiving dream. Just because I had a bad experience doesn’t mean you will…
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Bad experience? Similar to this? 😛
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Bahahaaa! Oh goodness…I’m not going to get anything else done today…I’m laughing too hard. Fact is always funnier than fiction.
> Date: Sat, 7 Dec 2013 19:53:50 +0000
> To: mt_rd@hotmail.com
>
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*snickers*
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I thought I destroyed that footage…
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Oooops
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