Good Enough is Good Enough
A few weeks ago I saw a photograph of someone’s office on their blog. It was GORGEOUS. No clutter. Natural light. No crap stacks. Fresh flowers on the desk. There were computer cords visible anywhere. Did everything run on batteries and solar power???
A few days later, I went to work on my desk. It was in need of major reconstructive surgery. Important documents were buried. Scraps of scribbled notes were lost. Gremlins had tied all of my cords into knots. There was a snow-drift-ish layer of dust behind the computer. I rubbed my hands together and, with visions of that other woman’s desk, I went to work.
Hours later, I had rearranged all my papers, thrown away two garbage bags full of files from my cabinets, sorted all my books by color on the bookshelves, and washi-taped several hand-lettered prints to the wall. Voila!
I stood back to admire my work, and immediately saw the flaws: “This isn’t good enough. It doesn’t look like that picture at all. IT WILL NEVER LOOK LIKE THAT PICTURE!” (maniacal, shifting eyes emoji)
I fussed some more, rearranged a few more things, and then my self said to my self: “Girl, seriously. Stop. You are certifiably insane. Cut yourself some slack. Be you. Let go of your hyper-fussiness and live your actual life. Live by the Principle of Good Enough, instead of rat-racing your way toward the A-plus.”
Once again, I re-remembered what I re-forgot. And I’m so glad I did. Because I stopped fussing, and got moving on the work that God actually called me to do in this office. I’m a writer, not a Better Homes & Gardens decorator.
I have to say: I still admire and appreciate the beauty of the other woman’s office. But that’s HER office space, and this is mine. Mine will never be Instagrammable. But I can celebrate her beauty, without letting it prescribe something about who I am.
When we’re tempted to chase perfection, we’ll never finish the tasks before us. When we’re tempted to compare, we’ll always find ourselves in want of more. Sometimes, the only way to enjoy your OWN beautiful life is to remember this:
Good enough is good enough.
Correction on Webcast Date
I apologize.
In yesterday’s post, I included the wrong date for our Free Webcast. That webcast is Thursday, Sept. 10 at 8 p.m. CT.
The webcast is for anyone searching for peace, identity and purpose in life. Register for this FREE webinar with Emily Wierenga, Liz Curtis Higgs, Holly Gerth, Jo Ann Fore, and me. We will share stories about our personal journeys. There will be open Q&A with us, and lots of giveaways! You can sign up to join here!
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Love this. Thank you. I often say “Good enough is good enough” but I don’t think I always take it to heart.
Me, too, Kris. xo
This is such a great reminder for me, Jennifer! I too need to re-learn what I’ve re-forgotten. Good enough IS good enough because Jesus is my perfection, not my self-saving efforts.
But now I want to see a picture of your desk. Because I’m pretty sure it would inspire me to clean up my writing desk too. 🙂
So glad these words spoke to you, friend!
You have a desk of a writer Jennifer, one who jots notes, reminders, and all the rest that goes with being the journalist you are. I used to fret when anything in my house and office were out of their so called spot and then I realized I was missing the important things in life. Soon enough we will reach our last day and draw our last breath and that desk of scribbles will be there to show who we are. What our passion was. Life is short, be content with who you are and even be content with a desk of the writer you are. Blessings to you and thanks for sharing and the good reminder.
I am very content, but like most women I know, I have moments that I call Insane Lack of Clarity. 🙂
Plus, this was too fun not to share. I hope it blessed you. 🙂
That women’s office had all the clutter removed for the photo shoot. You know they tidy and arrange to create the best photos. I like to remember that because it is beautiful but not real life.
Kathy, Thanks for commenting. I do think that some women really do have offices that beautiful. But I truly don’t want to take away from that beauty. I want to be able to celebrate the beauty and success and so on of other women, without it allowing it to prescribe something about me. Thanks for being here!
It did sound like I was detracting. Sorry about that. I even know a few people that are that tidy, but not many. I intended it to be somewhat humorous but didn’t type it that way. I love the magazine Where Women Create for the same reason you liked this. I totally appreciate you message.
Kathy, I totally understood your intentions. I was just hoping I was clear as well, in my original post. You are so sweet to come back and reply!
Um THIS: “When we’re tempted to chase perfection, we’ll never finish the tasks before us. When we’re tempted to compare, we’ll always find ourselves in want of more. Sometimes, the only way to enjoy your OWN beautiful life is to remember this: Good enough is good enough.” I needed this reminder today. Thank you!
Me, too. Almost every day! Thanks Tara.
As a hopeless perfectionist, I needed this. Thanks, Jennifer! On the webinar: I’ve signed up. Will they send an e-m w/ the link?
Hi Lynn,
So glad you’ll be joining us. Did you confirm your subscription? If so, you should be receiving emails today and tomorrow about the webinar. If you don’t get them, please let me know.
I pin photos of offices all the time but somehow never attain their perfection. I like having something to shoot for, but as you say, good enough is good enough. As long as I can keep the “crap stacks” fitting in my inbox, I’m good with that! Thanks, Jennifer. Good to know I’m not the only one.
Solidarity, Jerri! #goodenoughisgoodenough
If I thought I had to be better than good enough, I’d live in a state of agitation, maybe depression. Most days I’m not even at the level of “good enough” in domestic matters. I love how you pull back the curtain and show what it’s really like. But I’ll say this, honestly, your worst I think is still better than my best. Seriously. So if someone wants to feel better about their home or their workspace, send them my way.
Thanks for the re-reminder of what we’re apt to re-forget! (Love that statement of yours, btw.) I’m going to write “good enough is good enough” on a Post-It and stick it amidst the semi-clutter of my desk!
Yes!! My home has never been Better Homes and Garden type. I’ve settled for clean and tidy up until my ASD child turned four (4), his symptoms magically appeared and my life became the utter disarray of continual chaos. I’ve had to step back more than several times in the last ten years and remember what really matters to God~ not that picture perfect magazine looking house, but a happy, loved family raised in a Christ-centered home.
And so I learn to breathe.
Thank you for this. I’m wondering, is there a way to order a print of your “good enough” graphic? I would love to have this hanging in my home.