Written by: Jill Hollander, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
If we think that things will be or are waiting for things to be “perfect” to feel good about the outcome, we are inadvertently setting ourselves up for disappointment. This elusive idea of “perfection” can leave us chasing something that doesn’t truly exist. What if instead we embrace the imperfection, let it be perfectly imperfect. If we expect things to be perfectly imperfect, then in a way we are allowing for and possibly even expecting there to be bumps in the road. This can be true for every aspect of our lives.
It is also often the case when we are already experiencing challenging circumstances like: living with ongoing health challenges, having a child that is neuro-diverse or has health challenges (physical and/or emotional), going through a divorce, a break-up, a career change, etc. That we are working towards this false notion of a “perfect” outcome. As someone that lives with ongoing health challenges, I have created an approach of living my life realistically and optimistically.
I call this active acceptance, I expect that things will come up in regards to my health. When they do I am not as thrown as I would have been if I didn’t already anticipate this as a possibility. Being realistic that things will come creates a feeling of optimism and hope because when it does I am not shook to the core – I see it for what it is. This allows me to ride the waves feeling resourced and able to respond proactively.
Having a realistic, optimistic, and proactive response creates an internal feeling of power, courage, and bravery as you directly acknowledge what is, to create what is not only possible but probable. As we are heading into the new year, how can you practice being more realistic, optimistic, hopeful and proactive?
As we think about the year ahead, let’s plan for there to be bumps in the road as we navigate our goals and desires. When we are going after what we truly want (in any aspect of our lives), there will be unexpected twists and turns – that is to be expected – let’s embrace the imperfections of it – let it be perfectly imperfect. When a setback arises, let us know that we will not let it derail us, we will keep going. Using the setbacks as opportunities to learn, grow, and evolve – knowing realistically that creating what we desire takes time, continuous love, attention, devotion, trust and allowing!
What are you desiring more of in your life? How can you embrace the imperfections of that journey and navigate it with realism, optimism, hope and proactively?
To find out more about how to integrate these principles into your life, contact me at jill@jillhollander.com or visit my website!
Jill Hollander, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Certified Health & Life Coach Jill Hollander helps people to FIND THEIR YES! even IN A SEA OF NOs. Through individual, group coaching, workshops, and motivational speaking, she empowers, motivates, and inspires her clients and audiences to find opportunities in their obstacles. She offers a variety of tools and strategies that foster mindset shifts, create self-advocacy, and build resiliency. Jill created her YES! Filled Life amongst extreme medical diagnoses, surgeries, and life events. Her mission is now to help others do the same. Jill has been helping others communicate and be their own advocates for 10 years after earning her Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Jill has been featured in Entrepreneur, American Heart Association, The Associated Press, U.S. News & World Report, and more. She is a Survivor Ambassador for The American Heart Association. Jill received the Gift of Life Pillar of Strength Award at the national Marrow Match Gala.
