To the rest of the world, I was optimistic, the glass-half-full type of person. To me and mine, I was critical, honing in on what was wrong.
I didn’t try to be this way…. I just was. Regretfully so!
Which made me try all the harder to STOP being like this.
No matter how much effort I used, breaking free from this pattern of thought/behavior seemed impossible.
Perfectionism had its grip on me and it was like a vice!
Perfectionism had its grip on me and it was like a vice! Share on XAs a perfectionist, I tend to ignore the 99 good things and hyper-focus on the 1 bad thing.
It affected not only me but my faith. Striving, worry, comparison, and discontentment marked my inner thought life. I felt like a failure to myself and to God. It seemed like I, we, lived in a constant state of neediness from Him. I almost felt embarrassed when I approached Him because I was constantly fretting over one need or another.
I remember the pivotal moment in my recognition that I had more than just an “issue” but a real problem. At the time, we were living in a home with a screened in back porch where I would often go for some quiet time with the Lord. Our children were in elementary school, maybe even just beginning middle school.
Follow me over to Fresh Market Friday Linkup where I am honored to be sharing today for the gracious Crystal Twaddell.
Michele Morin says
Thanks, Gretchen. I was so encouraged by these words over at Deb’s place today!
Gretchen Fleming says
I’m so blessed to know that Michele! Happy Thanksgiving!
Rebecca L Jones says
I didn’t think I was a perfectionist. I tried to make things nice for everyone, and left myself out most times, I was doing all the work it appeared, even teaching a Bible study, I was serving lunch. I had to switch up how I go about things.
Gretchen Fleming says
I totally get that! Blessings!