Letting Go of Perfect: A Daily Invitation
I have a habit of trying to do everything. All at once. Preferably finished yesterday.
I rush around, cramming too much into my days, wondering why I end up overwhelmed and overloaded (it’s a real mystery, isn’t it?). It’s been a particularly full season: helping lead brilliant but incredibly busy projects with the Kirkham Cultural Consortium, navigating the challenges of my mum’s long-term deteriorating health, shifting from employed physiotherapy to working for myself, and of course, keeping this little corner of the internet alive with weekly blogs and illustrations.
Then there’s the rest of my brain: the dreams I carry around like a basket I refuse to put down. Dreams of growing this community, sharing my illustrations in a reflective journal, publishing a book that might help others on their mental health journeys—not for the sake of being “a published author,” but to offer something honest and useful in a noisy world.
And in the background, I’m forever learning new tech, setting up overhead camera gadgets, trying to post consistently on Instagram, maybe even braving TikTok (maybe). So many swirling goals, all well-intentioned, but not all of them compatible with the peace and joy I say I want.
And peace and joy keep tapping me on the shoulder lately.
I’ve been enjoying the Thrive Today website, revisiting Chris Coursey’s book The Joy Switch (highly recommend), and remembering that yes, I do want more peace and joy in my life. Who doesn’t?
The Watercolour Hustle
I have taken up the daily July watercolour challenge. This week, I painted watercolour backgrounds to capture joy and peace. But—classic me—I was determined to create something perfect that I could share on Instagram.
I realised I was hustling for peace and joy in the name of painting about peace and joy. Ironic, huh?
Isn’t it funny how we do that?
So, I decided to let go of the perfectionism. I’m still doing a watercolour every day because painting helped me reconnect with peace and joy during a tough season with my mental health, but now I’m painting in my everyday practice sketchbook, sharing whatever comes out, however it looks.
And you know what? I’ve really enjoyed it.
A Safe Place in Paint
Last night, I decided to try a monochrome painting of mountains. I found a reference photo with mountains, a lake, and an inviting stillness. I sat down, and as my brush moved, I felt my breathing slow. I relaxed.
It wasn’t on fancy paper, and it wasn’t perfect, but it didn’t need to be. I loved it.
As I looked at the painting, I realised it reminded me of my “safe place” from EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing). If you’ve done EMDR, you might know the part where you visualise a place that feels completely peaceful and safe. For me, that place is on the lakeshore below the mountains in Switzerland.
That painting took me there, if only for a moment, reminding me what it feels like to breathe deeply again.
Tonight, I’m planning to paint that safe place again in full colour, just for me, for the simple joy of it.
An Invitation to You
Reflecting on all this, I’ve realised how important it is to carve out time for the things that restore us, just for their own sake, not because they’re productive, Instagrammable, or “useful” to others.
So, for the rest of July, I’m committing to daily painting for me. If I don’t fit it into the day, I’ll carve out 30 minutes in the evening, letting it be a small gift to myself.
And I’d love to invite you to join me.
What brings you joy and peace?
Is there something you could give yourself 30 minutes a day to enjoy, just because it makes you feel alive? A book you’d love to read just because, not for work or self-improvement? Music you adore but rarely let yourself listen to? A short walk to breathe in fresh air and notice the world around you?
Find your thing. Remember what brings you peace and joy, and make a little spot for it in your everyday.
Because even in the busiest seasons, peace and joy are worth making time for, and they might just be waiting for you in the smallest, simplest moments.
P.S. If you decide to join me in a small daily joy practice this July, I’d love to hear what you choose. Feel free to share in the comments or message me; let’s gently cheer each other on.
Please do leave me a comment, it will make my day and double my joy :-)