I used to be a perfectionist. But then depression came along. And adulthood. And parenthood.
And I realized that sometimes the options aren't good versus bad. The options are partially-done or not at all. Half-assed or no-assed.
And now, when I start to go under due to other people's expectations (or my expectations), I remind myself that half-assed is better than no-assed.
Last night, I heard Max Brooks (author of the BOOK World War Z) speak. He was hilarious and poignant and thoughtful. Along with being the world's foremost expert on zombies, he is a history buff. Everything in his book is based on an actual historical event.
What he's learned, and based the book on, is that humans can't make it on their own. We survive by being in societies. The folks who go off to rough it on their own, to get away from society, often die.
We are meant to be in community. The idea of one hero who saves us all (which is what Paramount changed the book into in the movie) is pure fiction. We need to be in groups where each person can specialize in what they do best for the good of the society.
As anti-religion as Brooks' talk was, his message can easily be translated into religious language. We are the body of Christ. Each person has her own role within the body. No part is more or less important; all are needed. And no one should be trying to do it all on her own.
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