It is related of a certain king that on a particular occasion he turned his tea into his saucer, contrary to the etiquette of society, because two country ladies, whose hospitalities he was enjoying, did so. That king was a gentleman; and this anecdote serves to illustrate an important principle : namely, that true politeness and genuine good manners often not only permit, but absolutely demand, a violation of some of the arbitrary rules of etiquette. Bear this fact in mind – Martine’s Handbook to Etiquette and Guide to True Politeness, Arthur Martine, Dick & Fitzgerald Publishers, 1866.
My friend Z is finally here. This Challenge has really been a trip.
When I came up with the topic of living imperfectly, I thought I would write about some of the ways I have chosen to live life my way despite societal expectations and pressure. Instead my Challenge posts became a journey about my attitude towards my own perfectionist tendencies and perfectionism in general. At times, these posts have been heavy going, but in some ways were clearly necessary for my own self development. Yet other times, the posts have felt light and easy and a whole lot of fun. And looking through the old etiquette books was a constant source of amusement. I thank Mr Martine, for his often entertaining exposition of how gentlemen and gentlewomen should conduct themselves in the late nineteenth century.
I felt like my zig-zag through the Challenge reflects my zig-zag through life.
Having taken this journey I now have some clarity around choices. Cause and effect is now more obvious and while we all have our own recipe for happiness, this Challenge has helped me find some of the main ingredients for mine. It has also helped me to know myself better.
The choice to zig or zag has therefore become clearer.
After this Challenge, my ZIG list would something look like this:
Authenticity
Dancing
Excellence
Flexibility
Heartening
Guiltless
Leading from the front
Non-judgmental
Not being held hostage to fears
Self-belief
Thinking Young
Travelling
My ZAG list would look like something this:
Always needing to be right
Expectations
Contaminated time
Constantly ignoring my needs
Judgement
Orthodoxy in behaviour
Perfectionism
Seeking Validation
Now that I have these lists, I feel less confused and somewhat energized. It was a worthwhile, if not always easy, exercise.
Thanks to all of you who joined me for the Challenge, whether it was for one post or more, you have all contributed to this journey. To my fellow A to Zers, I have appreciated your creativity and look forward to continuing to build the alphabet with you one post at a time. Whether you’re still posting a “zed” post or a “zee” post, enjoy the last day!!
Raising the Curtain 
Wonderful series! I bet you’re ready for a good nap now though. 🙂
You’re not wrong :). Thanks for being there throughout. I always enjoy your perspectives 🙂
Y a perfect ending post -perhaps possible because you’ve let go of the need for perfection? I am happy to hear that working on your posts has brought you new insights to clarify your intentions. Congratulations on completing the Challenge, even when the burden was weighty. I enjoyed the vintage etiquette quotes and learned so much from your daily writings. They will continue to be a resource for me in the months ahead.
Thanks Sammy. I always hope that some of what I write resonates and is useful for others. I appreciate all of your wonderful comments and the support you have shown me during the Challenge. Congrats on finishing it as well. Glasses charged for a virtual toast 🙂
Clink 🙂
Congrats mate on a super series. I have really enjoyed it and Thanks for asking me to be a part of it
Thanks and I appreciate you helping me out. Happy to host you any time 😉
You continue to amaze me with your A to Z series, J. Your choice of content continues to top the list for this challenge. Always fresh and always vibrant.
Just like me T, always fresh and always vibrant 😉
Did I forget to mention that? My bad. 😀
Great post to finish a great challenge! 😉
Thank you Lainey and congratulations to you too for finishing 🙂
Introspection is exhausting, so good for you to recognize and accept what you learned.
Visiting from AtoZ~
Wendy at Jollett Etc.
Yes it is, but also necessary. Thanks for the visit. Will return the favour. And congrats for finishing 🙂
I really enjoyed your theme throughout this challenge and reading your posts each day. I love the zig-zag list in today’s post. It is certainly an interesting way to summarize the journey you’ve taken during this challenge! Looking forward to more 🙂
Thanks Joanne. The Challenge is a great vehicle to meet new bloggers and very grateful to have had out paths cross. Will definitely keep up with your posts after the Challenge as well 🙂
Judy, I love you Zig list, but it is the Zag list that gets my attention. If we all could sand off the rough edges of our Zag lists (which resemble yours for the most part, with a few add ins and take offs) or even reduce the number of occurrences on the list, just think of how much better we would be individually and collectively. If I could reduce “contaminated time” that would be huge, by itself. Best wishes to you for doing more Zigging and straightening out the Zagging. This gives new meaning to ZZ Top. BTG
Nice post…sometimes I zig and wished I zagged, lol. I’m planning to press forward in the month of May with blogging in the a-z style…do swing by.
Keen to see what you’re doing in May, Sandy. Will definitely swing by.