Good enough

Someone once said that perfect is the enemy of good.

For context, I live in Colombia and work with vulnerable population through local foundations. I used to dream of being able to do what I do now. Yet lately, things in general do not seem as exciting, as new, as fulfilling as they did when I first arrived. Nothing is necessarily wrong, it just isn't perfect like I imagined it would be.

Lately, I have been feeling stuck at work. After months of seeing little to no progress with students, keeping it real, I wonder if it even matters to keep showing up. Tuesday afternoon I shuffled into class, already having decided it would be another insignificant day.

As soon as I walked in, one of the girls blurted out a profound question. I was a bit taken aback by her directness and asked why she wanted to know. Apparently, before I got to class the girls began having a conversation about their personal spiritual beliefs and concerns. Seeing their interest in this topic, I cancelled the English class, and we spent the hour talking about their questions.

Tuesday afternoon was not perfect. In fact, it was an interruption to my plan. Yet, it was an opportunity to notice and acknowledge the questions these young ladies carry within them. It was good. That night, as I reflected on the day, I wondered how many good moments I miss out on waiting for the "perfect" ones.

Maybe perfect will never come because maybe perfect is an illusion. A trap to keep us fixated on a fantasy, distract us right out of the good stuff. Currently, my life is not what I would call perfect. But it is good enough. It's time to stop chasing perfection and start enjoying the good things.

What thing in your life can you accept as good enough today?