How a Simple Quote Lifted Years of Fear and Perfectionism

I was sitting in one of my favorite spots in town, a wooden bench with a commemorative plaque inviting people to sit, overlooking the water when it happened.

I was reading a book, and words I’ve read and heard countless times before appeared on the page before me.

They arrived unexpectedly; even if I knew them, I didn’t know their origin. They were delivered to me in a way I didn’t expect and shifted my life.

Two hundred thousand plus words, words that formed a journey I love and believe crafted the greatest novel I’ve ever read, conversations with my wife around my childhood, coupled with the inner work I’ve been doing every morning, created the perfect storm.

It was as though the universe had led me to this place, those words when I was ready to truly hear and accept them.

“And now that you don’t have to be perfect, you can be good.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

My childhood, bleeding into most of my adulthood, was a fear-filled desire to be perfect. When you’re perfect, no one can criticize you, no one can judge you.

Perfection means approval and acceptance.