The Goal of Life

Oh how I wish I could "do it all." There just don't seem to be enough hours in the day. Perhaps that's because the goal is perfection not enjoyment. Is being the perfect mom, wife, homemaker, employee, blogger really what's important to me? I'm afraid to say that is what my subconscious tells me more often than not. It goes something like this - anything worth doing is worth doing perfectly (or just don't even try). In reality I know that perfection is not attainable. Yet I let its lure rob me of the joy of the moment. I need to stop that.

Recently I've been on a Food Network kick. Watching those shows - like Paula's Party, The Neely's Down Under, Rachel Ray - isn't so much about the food for me. Yes, I'm hoping to pick up a few pointers on cooking, because mine is atrocious. But I really watch them because the people have infectious, happy personalities and really seem to enjoy life.

It would seem to me that the people who have perfection as a goal don't look like they are enjoying life. They are too busy trying to live up to some lofty standard that few, if any, care about. When I think to the end of my days and wonder if I'll be able to hear the chatter at my funeral I don't want to hear people talk about my perfectly clean house or how excellently I sewed stuff or even what great shape I'm in (not). I would hope to hear them say that I was a happy person who enjoyed laughter and enjoyed life. Now that's a goal!

I'm thankful for the freedom to choose what kind of life I'll have.

What r u thankful 4?

Questions to Consider

I receive Mark Sanborn's email newsletter called Leadership Lessons. The most recent issue was especially insightful. It was titled Live Like Your Life Depends On It. There were many good points, but the checklist below stood out to me.

Checklist for a Successful Day

Did I tell or show someone that I loved them?
Did I compliment or praise someone I live or work with today?
Did I read a book or listen to a tape that stimulated my thinking?
Did I increase my skill in my profession?
Did I do something for good health?
Am I closer to my goals than when I woke up this morning?
Did I do anything tough or challenging to build discipline?
Did I do something just for the pure joy of it?
Have I taken time to reflect on the lessons of the day?
Have I planned for another successful day tomorrow?

If you can answer yes to most of these questions, you have created a day of uncommon success.

I agree.

What r u thankful 4?