The Damage is NOT Irreparable

Codependency, Perfectionism, Recovery, Twelve Steps

In a recent Twelve Step meeting I attended, someone shared about how much it bothers her when she does things that hurt others. It just throws her into a terrible state of brooding, . . . upset, . . . temptation to use her addictive behaviors. As I sit here and...

Taking the Wind Out of Our Sails

Mortality, Perfectionism

I bear my testimony to you that what we were sent away from our home and the direct association and protection of our Heavenly Parents not to learn that we could stand on our own two feet, but actually, to learn the exact opposite. We came here to be humbled, to be...

Recovery Begins When We Let Go of Perfection (Pt 5)

Addiction, Perfectionism, Recovery

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5   I Will Not Leave You Comfortless What I have shared this week is not theory on or commentary about the Savior’s absolutely essential role in overcoming addiction. It is my testimony of lived experience. I have...

Recovery Begins When We Let Go of Perfection (Pt 4)

Addiction, Perfectionism, Recovery

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5   An Apostolic Witness of the Savior’s Central Role in Recovery from Addiction I am so grateful for Elder Robert D. Hales’ address in General Conference of April 2009 and for his powerful testimony concerning...

Recovery Begins When We Let Go of Perfection (Pt 3)

Addiction, Perfectionism, Recovery

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5   The Savior’s Perfect Patience with Our Infirmities/Imperfections The testimony of the restored gospel reminds me of my original relationship with God—both with my Father and with my Savior. It tries to tell me...

Recovery Begins When We Let Go of Perfection (Pt 2)

Addiction, Perfectionism, Recovery

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 Perfectionism Is At the Core of Almost All Addictive Behavior I know it sounds insane, but it’s true: At the core, in the heart of almost every addict of any variety, there lies a soul that is super-sensitive to...