Tuesday, 07 August 2007 23:46

perfectionism

What is perfect, anyway? The definition of “perfect” is constructed by each of us, guided by our own personal expectations. Those expectations begin to develop in childhood, usually as a result of others’ hopes or aspirations for us – like when parents impress their needs for us to be a certain way – or they may emerge from our own need to express our worth through accomplishments. In some cases, perfectionism may be a cause of something more serious like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, an eating disorder, or as a result of childhood abuse.
Sunday, 28 September 2008 23:18

goodness and mercy

Last month I was asked to speak on the radio with this directive: from your expertise, what is the one piece of advice you would give to our listeners? This was a tall (and, frankly, vague) order. How could I excavate my education, experience and knowledge to cull one salient bit of guidance? My stock advice for better living is a package deal, you know, like: pay attention to your thoughts and how they affect your feelings; learn how to communicate with respect and love; accept all parts of yourself so that you can live with authenticity; set appropriate boundaries…