This last Thursday, Miriam shared with us her presentation on “ Grading our Lives”

Miriam began by asking us if we have ever graded our lives.  I guess I have never thought about it before.  She shared that she has been receiving a newsletter from author Mark Manson, who is known for his books on self help and personal growth.  In high school, Miriam shared she received mostly A’s in all of her classes, as that is what was expected of her.

But when we are struggling with anxiety in our lives, we might feel like we’re failing a test we didn’t even take.

But what is in between perfection and failure?  Maybe our failures are self invented.  We may conjure up these ideas of perfection, and then fail them.

We may exaggerate sometimes, but it’s good to remember that we are not a failure. 

So maybe we need to choose our own criticism.  After all, what are you afraid you are going to be criticized for? 

Our minds can be loud and chaotic sometimes, when we are dealing with our mental health challenges. 

Maybe our expectations are too rigid?   Let’s say that when you are driving, you take a wrong turn.  Does that mean you’re never going to drive again?

Maybe we need to be a little more flexible?  It’s been shown that flexible routines tend to out perform more rigid ones.

Why be more strict on ourselves when something doesn’t go our way.

What is the hardest thing right now, that you’re convinced you can’t handle?

Remember life doesn’t come with an inherent playbook. 

We have to work on creating our own meaning, as we do make our own purpose in life.

Remember no one is keeping score on you and what you do.

If you’re sitting around waiting for life to show up, don’t wait.

Just do what you want to do!