I took a step back this week, and I realized something:  a little perspective goes a LONG way.

My mind has felt a bit chaotic the last few weeks.  I wrote on Monday about my insecurities, my stresses, how I need to learn to accept and let go.  What I'm coming to realize is that the idea of accepting and letting go also includes accepting myself -- flaws and all.

Yes, sometimes I don't say everything I would like to say to every person that crosses my path.  No, I'm not the most open, outgoing person you'll ever meet.  And you know what?  That's 100% okay.

I see my weaknesses for what they are, and I attempt to make changes when change is good.  I'm not perfect.  I never will be.  But, overall, I'm pretty damn happy with who I am.  Sometimes I'm bold and opinionated, other times I'm quiet and introverted.  I kind of like that.  If you don't like it -- suck it.  (Ha-ha.  Okay, perhaps that's a bit harsh.  You get the point though.)

Steven mentioned something his tennis coach used to say:  if you focus on improving your weaknesses, the best you can hope for is to become a good player; if you focus on improving your strengths, you've got a good chance at becoming a great player.


So I'm relaxing a bit -- taking a moment to appreciate where I'm at.  All in all, things are good.  My relationship is strong.  I'm fortunate to leave my job in the midst of a recession without much stress.  I'm good with my money (hence, the without much stress part of that last statement).  I've got kick-ass friends, lots of interests and lots of exciting stuff planned.  So what if I'm a little quiet, don't always speak my mind and have the occasional doubt?  Hey, I'm working on those things!  In the mean time, I think I'll kick back and enjoy the ride (at least until the next time I decide to have a small breakdown in a public forum).

“Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” --Marcus Aurelius

photo credit: stuck in customs