Listening isn’t Always about Sound

Posted on January 7, 2023 by Becky Dingle

Dear Reader:

I have a habit of pulling colorful modern mantras up when I see one that has the potential to teach me something new. I immediately begin researching the diversified thoughts behind the expression -in this case – ” Progress Over Perfection.”

I had read several explanations but I wasn’t overwhelmed with any and was just about to drop the idea… when a beautiful pendant with the words engraved on it appeared and the name Bryan Anthony’s under it- but that is not what made me stop and listen. It was the following passage below the pendant that held me captive ” listening” to the words… as smooth and melodious as an unforgettable melody.

When something speaks that strongly to one… it means we were supposed to ” hear it” and then absorb it. … And then share it… a great life lesson for a new year. ( I re-read it several times.)

When you feel far away from where you want to be and the pressure of getting it right consumes you, remember life was never made for perfect people.

It’s made for those with persistent hearts, for the ones who continuously show up even when the outcome is uncertain.

Life isn’t about having the right answers, it’s about finding purpose in the process. It’s about giving yourself grace in moments of growth.

On the days when you find yourself chasing perfection, learn to pursue progress instead. You’re free to move ahead right where you’re standing – the smallest step forward will always get you further than waiting in your worries.

As you lean into progress remember to show yourself kindness along the way. You’re still on a journey and cannot compare how far you’ve been with roads you’ve yet to travel.

You can move at a pace that is challenging but not overwhelming. You can find hints of light before things fall into place. Nothing has to be perfect in order to be enough-keep showing up with conviction and let yourself be a perfect work in progress!

So until tomorrow… I will carry this perfectly timed revealing ” God Wink” into the New Year… another lantern along an untraveled passage. What a light it shone!When we are supposed to pause and listen to God – He finds a way.

This is the beautiful sky that followed the uncertain weather earlier this week-a promise it was was behind and clear skies again !

I got my best shot of medicine yesterday from a visit from Jo! We laughed and solved all the world’s problems … and she left behind stories… and trinkets to accompany the stories.

I know many truck owners with red trucks … who call their prized possession ( their truck) ” Big Red” like my geranium. So the perfect place for my new welcome mat from Jo ( with changing centerpieces) was right in from of the white bench… ” Big Red’s ” home.)

… and sunflowers that just make me happy!

And I can’t help myself… a grandmother’s prerogative… so proud of Rutledge! Can’t think of a better trait as Student of the Month. Love you Rutledge!💗💗💗🙌

About Becky Dingle

I was born a Tarheel but ended up a Sandlapper. My grandparents were cotton farmers in Laurens, South Carolina and it was in my grandmother’s house that my love of storytelling began beside an old Franklin stove. When I graduated from Laurens High School, I attended Erskine College (Due West of what?) and would later get my Masters Degree in Education/Social Studies from Charleston Southern. I am presently an adjunct professor/clinical supervisor at CSU and have also taught at the College of Charleston. For 28 years I taught Social Studies through storytelling. My philosophy matched Rudyard Kipling’s quote: “If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.” Today I still spread this message through workshops and presentations throughout the state. The secret of success in teaching social studies is always in the story. I want to keep learning and being surprised by life…it is the greatest teacher. Like Kermit said, “When you’re green you grow, when you’re ripe you rot.”
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4 Responses to Listening isn’t Always about Sound

  1. Ron and Lynn Gamache says:
    January 8, 2023 at 7:57 am

    Just read your daily devotional now here at nearly five in the morning….what a meaningful and wonderful way to begin my day and this new week too. Love the saying: “Progress over Perfection”! So true is this. Perfect people are sometimes difficult to live with. They can be hard on themselves and others too. But when we gently but persistently press on then there is progress. And in the midst of that progress we reach out to others in the midst of our imperfections, drawing them close as we empathize and sympathize with them. I shall be sharing your blog with others today, and hopefully living these thoughts throughout the coming new year of 2023.

    Reply
  2. Lisa Register says:
    January 9, 2023 at 9:59 am

    I learned about “Progress over Perfection” while working the 12 steps of Al-Anon…any time you are learning something new…it’s better to focus on progress and not perfection because it will keep you motivated to keep trying to make the “change…” whether it is mentally, physically or spiritually. A great question to ask yourself is “Am I better than I was yesterday?” It’s a YOU v/s YOU perspective 🙂

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