In my latest book, my main character Polly tries to tailor her personality to fit others’ expectations of how a popular girl should dress and act; behavior that’s earned her the nickname PLASTIC POLLY. Polly starts off each chapter with a “True Confession,” something real about herself that she rarely (if ever) shares with anyone else.
I’ve decided to share a few of my own “True Confessions,” which means occasionally I’ll attempt to bust out of my introvertedness and post things from my world that I normally don’t share. So…*takes a deep breath* here goes…
True Confession: I live in the land of “Good Enough”
Like everyone else, my life is FULL. Some of my friends are quite capable of balancing family life and careers, keeping their homes spotless, and throwing elaborate pinteresty birthday parties for their children. But I’m not, and I probably never will be.
Instead, I live in the land of Good Enough. This means that I somehow manage to get dinner on the table most nights of the week; but oftentimes “dinner” at my house means toast and scrambled eggs. I go grocery shopping, but I can’t remember the last time I ever cleaned out my freezer (Do people actually do that?)
I make not-frequent-enough attempts to clean my bathrooms, but I’m “done” far sooner than most people I know. It doesn’t need to be spic-n-span, it just needs to be “good enough.” My kids birthday parties are cakes from Costco while they play with their friends in our backyard. And as far as I’m concerned, Pinterest is just a tool for me to use for writing. (I actually have a board for The Princess in the Opal Mask here if you want to check it out). As I write this, I just remembered that I have a pile of laundry that’s been sitting in the dryer for two days. Which means my clothes are probably really wrinkled, and, since Ironing is on my list of Things I Don’t Do, I’ll probably have to rewash them.
Here’s the reality for me: If I opted for “Good” instead of “Good Enough” then Not Enough would get done. I have books to write, deadlines to hit, kids who want to be snuggled, and a husband who would actually like to see me sometimes. My agent, editors, kids, husband, and friends could all care less what my house looked like yesterday or today. They just need me to show up in the places that are most important to them.
Unless I’m ever finally successful in learning how to clone myself, there’s simply never going to be enough ‘me’ to go around to meet all the demands of my current life. The best I can do is focus on what’s truly important (loving my family, loving God, and writing the best books I possibly can) and be okay if my life doesn’t look like a shiny, sparkly Pinterest board. The big things will get done. The smaller things, well…they’ll just have to wait.
And for right now, that’s Good Enough.
What about you? Do you opt for Good, or Good Enough? If it’s Good Enough, what do you let slide?
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We must be neighbors because I, too, live in the land of “Good Enough.” It’s actually a lot more healthy for me than experiencing the paralysis of perfectionism that used to plague me. Enjoy!
We must be neighbors, indeed! Although I’ve never experienced the paralysis of perfectionism. Hmm…not sure if that a good thing or a bad thing!
I love this, Jenny. I love your transparency and your willingness to share those true confessions. You are an inspiration in ALL that you do and if people only knew how much that really is! Honestly, the things you don’t do inspire me as well. You’re good with you and that reminds me to be good with me. That’s huge.
Remind me to share my Things I Don’t Do list with you sometime!
Can totally relate, Jenny.
I’m sure you can, Natalie. Because I really have no clue how you get as much done as you do! You amaze me :0)
Jenny I loved this! If you live in the land of good enough then I live in the land of just getting by. 😉 I am often amazed by how you do it all! I have laundry that often sits in the dryer for weeks. In fact we have one whole room of our house that is where we pile clean laundry we don’t feel like folding. I love your perspective! At the end of the day it is not going to be how clean your house is but how you loved! And as one of your closest friends you are doing a pretty good job. I feel loved by you and I am proud to be your friend~!
I think you do a lot more than just “get by” Carrie :0) You are an amazing woman, whether or not the laundry ever gets done.
This is just what we talked about-oh you know how much I am right there with you! This is so well put-it is so nice to have someone who can put into words so well how I feel 🙂 You are a rock star in my eyes and I am so grateful for you!
Sarah- You are a rock star in my eyes, always!
Good enough *is* enough. And good for you for letting go of the things you can. Too many people try to do it all and lose out on the moments that matter.