I know a few graduates from this school…(notice the Catholic School tunic)
I have just finished Brene Brown’s book, The Gifts of Imperfection. Here’s my favourite quote, regarding perfectionism:
“Perfection is a 20 ton shield that we lug around, thinking it will protect us. When, in fact, it’s the thing that’s really preventing us from taking flight.”
That got me thinking about the way I grew up. I wanted nothing more than to be a Brownie. I wanted to earn all those little badges, and wear them proudly on my Brownie sash. Evidence that I was clever and…worthy. Alas, it was not to be. Perhaps I should be giving my mother credit for not allowing me to join. She said it was a para-military organization,( and she needed me at home). When life around me was chaotic and scary, I was the princess of trying harder – If I do everything just right then I will be loved, worthy – and safe.
Are there any other graduates of the Good Girls School out there?
I’d love to hear your story.
Crones' Chronicles 
On reading this post complete with the illustration of the girl in the Catholic school uniform I could relate entirely. i have been weighed down by perfectionism for years and only recently has it let up somewhat because I am more conscious of the harm it causes. This phenomena was promoted in the Catholic school system of my youth because I was trying so hard to be good to avoid the consequences of sin. I also got a dose at home. My mother was a perfectionist who swept her lawn, tended to her white carpets and would not tolerate mistakes from her children. Oh dear this is such a huge topic Perhaps I have just scratched the surface. May we all be free of perfectionism It takes away the joy of living!. We are already perfect and could use a little improvement but not the heavy burden that the good girl imposes on herself.
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