Jogging/Running for Physical and Emotional health

I'm new to running but my mind took to it immediately. When I'm focused on my breath and pacing myself it becomes a form of meditation for me.

I feel a sense of peace and rejuvenation during and after my run. I'm elated that my body took to this activity as well showing up in a loss of weight and inches. I look forward to running as I never have with any other aerobic activity. I'm excited to see where this takes me...

What is Perfection?

I've never really considered myself one of those perfectionists types. However in closer examining of my character I see perfectionist tendencies . My art is a clear example of this behavior. If I feel something isn't coming along the way I envisioned it, I scrap the entire thing and begin again and again. What state of greatness am I attempting to reach for and for who, Myself, others approval? Am I trying to imitate something I feel is just right but fail to do so?

Questions like these I've begun asking myself lately because I'm noticing this behavior repeating itself in different areas of my life. Why have I become so steadfast for some unattainable goal? I know that being creative is one of God's greatest gifts and it's meant to be appreciated and nurtured from the spirit. The joy gained from any creative experience is an inward journey expressed outward. I'm not sure when I became so focused on getting it right, because each person has a different formula of their own right.

If forgot the specialness of expression be it in art, cooking or some other activity. I forgot that my individual expressions are special in themselves because I'm utilizing God's gift. I forgot that I'm not striving to please or impress others or imitate others. I'm finally remembering that my gifts were given to me as personal expression, and inspiration and joy. I had become worldly with my gifts and that's when I became unsatisfied and discontented.

I'm taking time out now to remember and to give thanks for what I'm given. When I do anything in my life I'll do it with reverence and with a sense of gratitude and humility for whom this all came from. The next time I pick up a pot and ingredients or paper and drawing utensil it will be solely an outward expression of what I'm here to give...