Today’s post is part 5 of a 10 part series: 10 Problems with Perfect

Depression is flat out well…depressing. If you have the choice to smile or frown why in the world would you chose to be down? Depression is a very serious matter and is not to be taken lightly. I have struggled with it in the past and have allowed it to steal a precious period of my life. I have all the compassion in the world for you if you are currently struggling. I also want you to know that you are most certainly not alone. By no means do I expect these numbers to make you any better, only to broaden your scope of awareness:

According to a recent study conducted by the American Disorders Association of America (AADA) there are approximately 41 million adults who suffer from depression and spend over $4.2 billion per year on treatment.

This is absolutely mind-boggling to me. We live in a society that has it all and has it instantaneously. We are the only society in the entire world that stands in front of a microwave oven and yells “hurry-up.” We have no patience for inconvenience or delay. There has got to be a better way…

Due to the fact that perfection is humanly impossible, any pursuit otherwise will end in disappointment. Consistent disappointment will eventually lead to depression, so it makes no sense to believe otherwise. The problem with perfection today is that the impossible nature of its being will paralyze your pursuits and lead you to depression. There is nothing wrong with pursuing excellence, but it will never be perfect AND THAT IS OK.

If we can bring ourselves to accept the fact that our lives will never be perfect, we can get on with finding the purpose that we were uniquely created for. Living with purpose and on purpose will allow us all to experience the exact opposite of depression, JOY! So, without sounding too cheesy in conclusion of today’s message….any chance of you turning that frown upside down?

Just in case you have missed part of the series here is a summary of the first four “Problems with Perfection”.

1. Paralysis (opposite is taking action)
2. Impartiality (opposite is passion)
3. Anxiety (opposite is peace)
4. Identity crisis (opposite is purpose)

Stay tuned next week for the rest of the series!