i he(art) seattle

Staring and keeping a tight gripe on our to-do lists and perfect schedules and deadlines, we can drive ourselves and our loved ones crazy! I, for one, used to love that perfection. I just wanted everything just right, my way or the highway… you know, perfect. Recently I’ve put myself on a fast. No more comparison to others that admire or (most importantly) to the impossible to-do lists I’ve been holding myself accountable to.

Sometimes a girl needs to try a lil’ tenderness…

When I think of compassion I don’t think of feeling sorry for someone, or in this instance, for myself. Sometimes compassion can be just taking it easy on yourself… so you want to watch some reality TV tonight… give yourself a break and Keep Up with the Kardashians or whatever. Maybe you do want an extra scoop of Ben & Jerry’s tonight… I know I did. But compassion is not just about when you want to indulge a bit. Compassion can also be lovingly pulling yourself out of bed to go to yoga class or take a long walk to clear your mind, it can be calling up a close friend when you really just want to have a private pity party. Compassion can be being gentle with yourself and bring yourself through something you might be struggling with. It’s a bit of holding yourself accountable and also holding your hand in the difficult times. Telling yourself it’s okay to do what you said you were going to do… even thought you may not feel like it.

I came to this post because I had to show myself a little compassion tonight. After a long day in the office, I was feeling soo tired and when I got off the bus I imagined taking a quiet cat nap instead of going for my run… I imagined my comfy bed and pillows and thought, I’ll probably be in bed all night. Then I realized that a run may just be the burst of energy I need to get my through my evening… so I tied up my laces turned on Pandora & Run Keeper and hit the pavement. It was a great run and I’m happy I showed myself some love and compassion on the way out the door. It wasn’t about being perfect, it was just about doing what was best for me during my time of weakness.

So think about it, how can you kick perfection to the curb and show yourself some compassion?