How do you complete this statement, “good enough” is ……..? I don’t think I will ever forget the sign that hung at my high school with bold letters, “Good Enough is Neither.” Looking back at my teen-age self and as someone with a type-A personality, I think that quote should come with a really big disclaimer. “Good Enough is Neither” can be a motto for the really big life goals and maybe not for the daily, ordinary, get-it-all done responsibilities.
As we enter this winter holiday season, the schedules often get a little more hectic, the budget gets a little more pressure and stress can increase. One quality of mindfulness is that it’s practiced nonjudgmentally. Sometimes we are too judgmental on ourselves. Using stress-reducing practices can be good and they can be enough.
If my friends who are balancing work, family and school followed “good enough is neither” they would never turn in a completed assignment. Their work is good and timely and it is enough.
If my family followed “good enough is neither” for our homemade as well as store prepared Holiday meal, our get-together will not meet the standards of a picture perfect holiday. I know our day will be good and joyful and it will be enough.
If we followed “good enough is neither” for holiday gift shopping we will not meet the unattainable standards upheld by advertising. Our gifts will be good and thoughtful and they will be enough.
Do you have a favorite quote for the everyday, ordinary, making the best of life? This holiday season, I’m working on practicing, “This is Good, This is Enough.”
