Lessons from the Edge

Imperfections are OK!

That's a big statement for a recovering Type-A, perfectionist control-freak like me to make! But it's one of the lessons I've been learning through my work at Edgewood.

*When we're setting up for special events, there are always a few residents who want to help. So I'll ask them to set napkins on the tables, or put balloons around the room.
*I always move the tables and chairs around in the Activity Room to give us more space during Exercise Class. And though I am perfectly willing to put them back when we're finished, several of the residents would rather do it for me.
*And there are a couple of women who love to help clean up the dining room after meals or parties - by picking up trash or wiping the tables.

These jobs are almost never completed according to my level of perfectionism. The napkins may not be straight. The chairs might not get pushed in all the way - or they may be put in the wrong location all together. And there are frequent missed spots on the tables, which must be gone over again by some of the kitchen staff.
But I've learned these imperfections are OK.
The men and women who are helping receive so much joy from the thought that they are making a contribution. They are able to give, to do, to work - and it makes them happy. And the delight in their eyes at the work of their hands far outweighs any re-doing or adjusting which is required after they have finished helping.

Kind reminds me of life with toddlers. Imperfections are OK! *grin*