Sunday, June 21, 2009

Big Baby Steps Today!

My Posting title sounds contradictory, as the baby steps are meant to be small changes. But, these small changes today were BIG for me.

The Scene: Family BBQ get together for Father's Day at my house.
The Big Baby Steps: We used paper plates- inside at my dining table.
Everyone got their own drinks all day long.
I sat at the table and visited after we were done eating, but before I cleaned off the entire table.
I loaded the dishwasher after everyone left.

Sounds crazy, I know.
I still have a headache.
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7 comments:

  1. KellyJune 21, 2009 at 9:29 PM

    Way to go you! Sounds like you made some big headway today! Bet you enjoyed yourself, but more importantly everyone else enjoyed you and your company!! and the memories...just like you intended. Good for you! Keep it up!!

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  2. PearlJune 21, 2009 at 11:00 PM

    Joanne! You're a really good writer! I'm impressed with your commitment to this journey. That's more than half the battle in my view. While I haven't really struggled with perfectionism, I have faced many other "demons" over the years and have arrived at a very happy place. The key to it for me is balance. I continually make room for "me" things in my life that keep me balanced with being a wife, a mom, a friend, a daughter etc. For me, I find that in pottery and karate. The family agrees that the household functions WAY better if mom has kicked butt at karate or created a beautiful bowl!
    I look forward to hearing about your babysteps or marathons Joanne. Bon voyage!
    Cheryl

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  3. Joanne SawyerJune 21, 2009 at 11:23 PM

    Oh Cheryl, you made me laugh out loud with your comment about the butt kicking, bowl making mom! Quite the mental picture I have in my head. Thank you so much for your positive comments as well. I'm eager to hear what kinds of struggles, or triumphs other women have experienced as I think the sharing of it is something that we can all benefit from. We all have a story, now we just need a way to get others to listen. "Balance" was a key word that our instructors at last weekend's workshop continuously emphasized. I am happy that you are able to find that in your life.

    Thanks again for sharing,
    Joanne

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  4. PearlJune 21, 2009 at 11:49 PM

    One last note on "balance"...I have found it so essential and meaningful that I actually have it tattooed in chinese characters on the inside of my left wrist...a constant reminder to put events/things/people etc in the correct perspective! Besides that, it looks really cool! :)
    Cheryl

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  5. AnonymousJune 22, 2009 at 7:47 AM

    Joanne,

    I really enjoy hearing your progress...inspiring and heart-warming. You go girl!

    Shannon

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  6. LLJune 22, 2009 at 10:36 PM

    I understand completely! That sounds like a great day! Here's a good one too: in your day to day tasks, the one question that you have to ask yourself is "Who do I have to disappoint?" That was one of ten items that someone told me that 'every woman' needed to do daily. That one stuck with me (I forget the other 9)... something a perfectionist needs to know...

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  7. Joanne SawyerJune 23, 2009 at 9:29 AM

    That question is perfect (I tried to think of another word to use; I think I need a list of alternative words for "perfect"). It reminds me of the book "10-10-10" which I have on my book list. Bascially, for any difficult decisions or choices you have to make in your life, it asks you to consider "How will this affect me in 10 minutes, in 10 months, and then in 10 years?" The book is full of anecdotal examples relating to jobs, parenting, relationships. It helps to put our seemingly "important" stresses into perspective.
    If you ever come across the other 9 questions, please share as I'm sure other women would be interested to know as well.

    Thanks for sharing,
    Joanne

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