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Mental Health

Read These Graphics When Your Perfectionism Won't Give You a Break

Tori Press
 • 

Excerpted from “I Am Definitely, Probably Enough (I Think)” by Tori Press. Copyright © 2020 by Tori Press. Illustrations by Tori Press. Used by permission of the publisher. All rights reserved.

Perfectionism is a kind of a sinister story. Because it poses as a friend.

A motivator, and encourager: Ace your exam! Make sure your work is flawless! Inspiring me to do my best

But always at a terrible bost. Because if you don't you're the WORST

Lately, though, instead of expecting myself to be PERFECT, I've been striving for "ISH."

"ISH" is the magical suffix that gives me some room to BREATHE.

I keep my house clean... ISH (illustration of a living room with a chair, rug and bookcase)

I eat a health diet... ISH. (illustration of fruits, vegetable and cheese)

I practice self-care ISH. Meditation (woman sitting with legs crossed), exercise (yoga mat and a weight), positive self-talk (a heart says "You got this"), staying up way too late scrolling through Poshmark (a sad woman looking at her phone saying, "I'm going to be so tired tomorrow but I can't stop")

The "ISH" gives me permission to be imperfect (illustration of a pink permission slip that reads "Permission slip entitles the bearer to be a regular, fallible human being.")

The "ISH" says It's OK to have a bad day. To backslide, to mall, to miss the mark and try again. It says I don't have to be perfect to be OK, to make progress.

And that's some pretty good ISH.

Read more in Tori Press’ book, “I Am Definitely, Probably Enough (I Think).”

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Images via Tori Press/Simon & Schuster

Tori Press
 • 

Tori Press is a mother, entrepreneur, yogi, science enthusiast, neurotic human person, and an artist who is still getting used to calling herself an artist. For ten years she worked as a freelance graphic designer before closing down her business and buying a sketchbook and a set of markers to begin drawing pictures inspired by her yoga practice. Since then, she has been on an extraordinary adventure of growth, self-discovery, and human connection. She draws about what it's like to be a human being: the good, the bad, and mostly the vulnerable, and to help herself cultivate more mindfulness, joy, gratitude, and self-acceptance. She hopes her art helps shine a little light for you on your own path as well. Instagram: @revelatori

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Originally published: December 14, 2020
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