I wouldn’t say that I am a perfectionist…because I am the least perfect person in the whole wide world. I’m disorganized, distractable, prone to laziness, certainly not detail oriented, and often wrong (but I will always admit it).

I hold myself to an incredibly high standard though.

I like to make sure I am always trying to do my best, especially at work. I hate messing up, especially if it was my fault. I especially hate messing up when it means letting someone else down. I like helping others and giving everything I’ve got. I hate saying no, when I know that I could do something well. I tend to overstretch myself, and I will always give to others without hesitation.

All of which means getting sick and being forced to slow down is really hard for me, and therefore the last week was a really tough one.

• I was not allowed to go to work for several days (I was contagious.)
• I was really tired and needed to rest – so I couldn’t do all the things I normally do, even at home.
• I had to say no to things that people asked of me.
• And now I’m behind and feel like I’m not doing my best.

This is a place I really struggle.

And if you know me, yes, I’m a hypocrite. Because I would normally be the first person to give anyone else grace. You miss an assignment because you were sick? Turn it in late, no problem. You’re struggling with the stress of applying to colleges, so you didn’t sleep last night? Sure take the quiz tomorrow. You need me to do an extra day of planning because you’ve had too much on your teacher-plate? No worries at all, happy to help.

But can I give myself that same grace? Not easily.

So I just have to tell myself, I am recovering. I was really sick. I can take some time to get my feet back under me. I don’t have to do all the things I usually do. I’m allowed to be imperfect and human.

Because we all are human. And I am allowed to be imperfect sometimes too.