The Heavy Weight of Perfectionism

August 7, 2017August 17, 2017 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 8 Comments

My name is Sheila, and I am a perfectionist.

The experts say this personality trait comes from one’s childhood. For me, that’s probably true. My mom, God rest her soul, taught me, from an early age, to do things right the first time. Or, do it over until I could do it right the first time. Want to know the best way to clean windows, grout, baseboards or window seals? Gotcha covered, but that’s another post.

Even at this late stage in my life, I continue to struggle with having everything “perfect.” This is especially true as it relates to writing. That’s why my WIP, 40,000 words in, is still unfinished. This is not a trait of which I’m proud. Striving for perfection will suck the life out of your soul if allowed to run unchecked. At times it weighs me down, and I miss out on being present with the people and life happening around me.

Robin LaFevers from Writer’s Unboxed shares an excellent essay on the topic. The Perils of Perfection. It is well worth a read and thoughtful consideration.

“Strive for Progress, not Perfection.” Click to Tweet

What about you? How many on her list could you check in the affirmative? Are you a perfectionist? Me? I’m ready to ease up and relax.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject. Join the conversation. Talk to me or tell me your story. I’m all ears.

Thank God We’ve Evolved

August 2, 2017August 14, 2017 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 2 Comments

DAILY PROMPT: Toothbrush

A typical chew stick. This one is from the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice)

I can remember as a child, my mother quizzing me, “Did you brush your teeth?” Twice a day and nothing less was the rule in our house.

It was a practice I carried over to my children. I wanted them to develop the habit of brushing early and be proud of their healthy beautiful teeth, but not all kids bought into that philosophy or the habit.

Getting some kids to brush is more difficult than tying a string to a door knob and pulling the little suckers! Waking up to a surprise left by the Tooth Fairy is much more enticing. Can you imagine what it was like for those parents trying to get their kids to brush using the first toothbrush?

According to the Museum of Everyday Life, The Chinese (imagine) invented the first bristle toothbrush during the Tang Dynasty (619-907) from the very stiff, coarse hairs of the cold-climate hogs inserted into holes of either bone or bamboo.

I can see it now. Junior’s mom thrusting a hairy bone out to her son. “I’m not gonna tell you again, brush your teeth.”

Thank God we’ve evolved.

And, be sure to check out my book, Maybe Next Time, on Amazon. Available in Kindle and paperback formats.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject. Join the conversation. Talk to me or tell me your story. I’m all ears.

Maybe Next Time is Live

July 30, 2017August 14, 2017 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 6 Comments

I feel as if I’ve been in labor for months, but finally, my short story collection is here!

http://www.photobucket.com

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject. Join the conversation. Talk to me or tell me your story. I’m all ears.

Blogging Made Easier: Five Tricks You Should Know

July 25, 2017August 11, 2017 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / Leave a comment

More changes from WordPress to make blogging easier. Thanks, WordPress.

WordPress.com News

Writing interesting blog posts, creating attractive pages, and interacting with your visitors — these are essential ways to help you build a body of work, a successful business, or a growing audience online.

I’m part of a team focused on design and research at WordPress.com — I like to find ways to improve your experience, and to help you reach your website or blogging goals. In this post, I’ve compiled five of our favorite WordPress.com features that streamline your publishing experience and help you make an impact with your work faster.

Post Settings That You Can Hide

We’ve recently moved things around a bit in the editor. The settings for your post or page are now on the right — and can be hidden! Just click the cogwheel icon above your toolbar.

If you yearn for a more minimal experience, hide the post settings so you can focus on your…