I can certainly testify to this! If I’m not mindful, I can get sucked in. For example, instead of just accepting a nice hotel that’s close to the restaurants and sites we want to visit, I can spend hours researching to make sure there’s not a hotel that’s nicER or closER. Typically, I genuinely enjoy this process and learning new things through my research. But sometimes I have to remind myself that I have an option that is “good enough,” and that is good enough.
During this reflective month of Elul, I wonder if this applies to the more important parts of life, well beyond just products and purchases. Do I allow myself to be happy when I myself am “good enough”? Of course, I aspire to be the perfect wife, perfect sister, daughter, friend, colleague, student, etc. I genuinely try my best to keep each of those relationships strong and connected. I tend to be extra hard on myself when I am not the perfect wife, sister, etc. What if I gave myself permission to be imperfect? To forgive myself in those situations where I am “good enough” at something, but not perfect? Reframing my decisions this way has been really illuminating and helpful so far during Elul and I look forward to further growth in the New Year.
Emily Cohen, Shaare Emeth Programming Specialist
What did you think of this post? Give us your thoughts below.
Received this post by email? Comment online at
Return: A Blog for Elul http://blog-for-elul.blogspot.com/
WOW -- I really needed your blog post. I too strive for perfection and making all the right informed choices. After reading, I'm relaxing and breathing a sigh of relief. Good enough can be as you said, good enough. Thanks!
ReplyDelete~Jan Fishman