Practice Makes Perfect

Practice makes perfect. We've all heard this saying over and over again. But why is it that we are trying to be "perfect"? No one can truly be perfect or do something perfectly. It is an unachievable state and one that will only leave us feeling frustrated and depleted. And how can we truly show up for life when we are feeling frustrated and depleted? Practice isn't about being perfect, it's about showing up - again and again and again. It's about taking action and being present. 

Yet I have been feeling frustrated with myself over the last few weeks for not feeling like I was fully showing up for this month's theme. Originally, I planned for focus of the month to be "detox". Warm weather is approaching and I have a long list of things I've wanted to try - things like a 48 hour juice/broth cleanse and moving all of our plastic-harbored spices into glass jars . But even though I have been thinking about detoxing every day, I don't feel like I've really been showing up. My heart just hasn't been in it. To be honest, I am starting to think that I might have just picked the wrong theme for the month. 

So, what have I been showing up for this month? 

Family. April has really been more about family and I need to take a step back and recognize and celebrate that! I am so grateful that I only live 3.5 hours from my parents. My mom came up to Asheville the first weekend in April and was nice enough to deliver a couch. I spent last weekend in Atlanta visiting with my dad and enjoying the warm springtime weather. David's parents arrive in town tomorrow. And I am super excited to fly up to NYC at the end of the month to visit with my sister for a week. I get to spend the majority of this month with family - how amazing! 

The 29th Practice is about being more present and intentional in my actions and interactions with people. Practice doesn't make perfect. Practice develops patience, presence, and awareness. And it is through this awareness that we learn about our true intentions and where our attention should be focused. This weekend, I don't want to be worrying about how I'm supposed to be "detoxing"; I want to be fully present with David and his parents. I want to enjoy spending time with family. And guess what - nothing is set in stone! I hereby declare April the month of family!