As a child, I use to color outside of the lines –post the time that my peers learned to color inside. I was never visually artistic, I had the ideas but my end product would often drift into the realm of being too abstract for recognition. It was then that I began to compare myself to those around me and considering the difference between good and good enough. What is acceptable, and what can always be done better.
As of lately I’ve noticed that I am having an extremely difficult time with not falling victim to the comparison game. Comparing myself to not anyone else, but myself. I’m constantly comparing myself to my old achievements, who I was when I achieved them. Who I am now, and how at some points I do not even recognize myself… stress has a fine way of doing that to you (changing all familiarity).
However, in the midst of trying to over-achieve what I once accomplished, I’ve been reminded that it’s not always about what’s “good” but rather what’s “good enough”. I think as a society we’ve been deceived to believe that good enough is subpar. Yet in reality good enough is sometimes all one can produce, and your best is always impeccable regardless of what society or those close to you would suggest.
Good enough isn’t to be confused with mediocracy.
Mediocre
Adjective
1.of only ordinary or moderate quality; neither good nor bad; barely adequate:
2.not satisfactory; poor; inferior: (Dictionary.com)
In life we’re presented with seasons.Just as spring, summer, autumn and winter exist, the same should be expected for our mental, emotional, and spiritual health. There are times that we find ourselves “biting off more than we can chew”, there are also moments in which we find everything that could possibly go wrong has –and what’s left of the aftermath is questionable to crumble as well.
Yet, to make it through another day with your peace and sanity in tack shows more promise than any accomplishment can. It is imperative that we embrace the truth that we are not our actions, our success and failures are not the subtotal of our beings. We’re entities that have been perfectly designed, and our actions are a clear depiction of the choices we’ve made, that’s it!
For every success, you’re merely proving that you’ve advanced yet another time. As for any setbacks, you’re solely showing your humanity. Both are valuable. Both are necessary. Both should be honored.
As I’m learning to honor both my high and low points, I’m discovering myself. There’s truth to be found in every facet of life, there’s a revelation in every moment if you’re sensitive to acknowledge and delve.
“I am bad as the worst, but, thank God, I am as good as the best”- Walt Whitman. May you discover as you continue to journey through life that even at your worst, your core is still at its prime potential to nestle into its best state; just as when you feel as though you’ve reached your best, your worst is lingering around (so please, with knowledge in mind refrain from judging another and more importantly yourself). Progression is always an option, and one that I hope you choose with open eyes, and a heart that is willing to adjust as opportunities emerge.
Allow, yourself the chance to not only change your pace but your lenses as well. Whether than running a rat race, may you learn to travel through the present, giving your most earnest effort. And in all times keep in mind, that good enough is not to be confused with mediocracy when it’s your best.
