"Strive for progress, not perfection."

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Alexander Jewish Family Service Friends – 

It seems that I am constantly experiencing a tug-of-war within myself between my desire to do more, better, faster and with greater quality and taking the time to be happy and content with what I have and already have accomplished.

Helen Keller, author and disability rights advocate, speaks to this struggle when she said:

“Be happy with what you have while working for what you want.”

One of the lessons that I find myself learning again and again in life is that success is a journey and not a destination. Learning, growing, striving and achieving is something that we do throughout life. We can be grateful for all that we have achieved and experienced and still desire to continue the journey and do more.

The playwright and poet Bertolt Brecht said:

“Everyone chases after happiness, not noticing that happiness is right at their heels.”

Like Keller, Brecht is encouraging us to fully appreciate all of the blessings in our life. Thursdays are a day when many of us are reviewing our tasks, goals and deadlines for the week to prepare for the week’s end. Today, as you look over your week take a few moments to celebrate everything you have already achieved and accomplished before taking note of the tasks that remain.

There is a beautiful quote from Rebbe Nachman of Breslov who said:

"If you are not a better person tomorrow than you are today, what need have you for a tomorrow?"

The work of Tikkun Olam – of perfecting the world and ourselves – is one that doesn’t end. Take time to be grateful for the progress we have made so far and grateful also that we have been given the gift of time to continue the journey and the work.

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Take care,

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Carl E. Josehart, MSW (he/him/his)

Chief Operating Officer

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