Being Perfect
May 28th, 2008 by 
JD
The book, BEING PERFECT, by Anna Quindlen is a great coffee table book. It is a quick read that packs a punch! What I love about this book is the demystification of perfection. Anna connects with the reader on a personal level as if you are old friends sitting down for a meaningful chat.
This is a personal reveal of various stages in life and conscious decisions made to start living life from the heart instead of through an image. (Not an easy task by any means)
Here are a few of my favorite lines:
Pg. 19
“Begin with that most frightening of all things, a clean slate. And then look, every day, at the choices you are making, and when you ask yourself why you are making them, find this answer: Because they are what I want, or wish for. Because they reflect who and what I am.”
How many of us can answer that question daily as if it were 100% true. Not everyone I’m sure. For me, this passage was a wake-up call or an “Ah-ha” moment. The words slowed me down, I even had to read it several times over before coming to this conclusion: “I’m worth the time it takes to analyze my choices in life and align them with my values.”
Pg. 47-48
“And sitting there, you will fall into the center of yourself. You will look for some core to sustain you. And if you have been perfect all your life and have managed to meet all the expectations of your family, your friends, your community, your society, chances are excellent that there will be a black hole where that core ought to be.”
Wow, talk about a Reality Check that hits you right in the gut! Anna’s words remind me that pleasing others isn’t the same as pleasing ourselves. I find that the only way to hear that inner voice is to sit down and talk to it.
Life is an amazing journey, why not share it with others? Post your opinions now…
Posted in Small Book, BIG Impact | 
June 1st, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Hi Jennifer,
You’re right… the only way to hear the inner voice is to sit down and talk (or for me, listen) to it.
I’ve found yoga very helpful for that quiet time necessary to hear the voice.
And the notion of “tabula rasa” that Anna brings up is both terrifying and thrilling, isn’t it? Every day we have an opportunity to mold ourselves in any way possible.
I am very much looking forward to reading more of your thoughts.
Cheers!
June 3rd, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Janet
Thanks so much for your comment! I’m just getting into yoga, but I totally agree that the calm quiet time is perfect for checking in with your inner voice.
Ah, “tabula rasa”! (I’ll admit I had to google it, “clean slate”)…this is a terrifying and thrilling concept for sure! What keeps me motivated is realizing that it is a gift. I start each day with the question, “Who will I be today?” Sometimes it is productive, reflective, outgoing, but it is always me.
Best Wishes Janet!
Jennifer Davidson (Founder)
Reality Check Coaching LLC