I saw an Instagram post today that was written by a therapist who was encouraging her followers to stop trying to be perfect and just do their "best."
I get what she's trying to say and I appreciate the intent, but honestly, isn't the phrase "do your best" really just another perfectionistic platitude?
When I hear the words "do your best," my brain happens to obsess over all the mistakes I still make, even as I'm trying to live a values-driven life.
There are many times I still say or do things without thinking, even when I "should" know better.
I am human and don't always do my "best."
Show me someone who does.
I don't think they exist.
I grew up in a religion that DRILLED the concept of "always do your best" so hard into me that I am just now, in my mid-forties, starting to unravel the negative ways it has effected my well-being.
This doesn't mean that I don't want to do better and try to be aware of ways I can improve.
I do want to step back and reflect on how I want to show up in the world in ways that are aligned with my values,
I want to be aware.
I want to improve.
I want to reflect.
I want to mindfully correct.
But I will not always do my best.
It's just not going to happen, which is perfectly fine by me.
Lots of love,
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