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NOTICE: A lapse in appropriations has occurred. Military members will continue to report for duty as per normal operations. Excepted and exempt civilian employees will report to work as usual. Managers and supervisors of non-exempt/non-excepted civilian employees must begin conducting orderly shutdown on the next scheduled workday. FAQs and resources regarding the lapse operations will continue to be posted here and the internal lapse site. 
Commentary | Aug. 31, 2020

Dear Coast Guard Family: The Choice Between Peace and Perfection

By Rachel Conley, MyCG Columnist

How we spend our time is one of life’s greatest and most impactful choices. I spend a lot of my time trying to be perfect. The (hard) truth is – perfection is unattainable. It doesn’t matter how much I care or how hard I work, it’s a goal that I will never meet; a constant source of self-doubt and failure. Being a perfectionist is all-consuming – it leaves time for little else, but it often accomplishes nothing. 

I have always channeled my perfectionism into caring for others. But, I’ve come to realize, people don’t need perfect – they need real. My family doesn’t need perfect – they just need me. The “me” that’s not burned out and always stressed. 

So, today and every day, I must choose peace over perfection. I must give myself grace. I must focus on what truly matters and not get lost in the details. I must live in the moment, without distraction or worry. 

I must ask myself the right questions:

  • Is this something that I need to do?
  • Does this positively impact the people who are most important to me?  
  • Does this bring me joy?
  • Is this healthy or am I overextending myself?
  • Does this meet my goals?
  • Will this matter in the long-run?   

I must live a life that creates the legacy I want – a wife worthy of a lifetime, a mother worthy of emulating, and a person that makes a difference. 
Here’s to a well-lived imperfectly, perfect life!


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