What is perfection? Dictionary.com defines perfection as the highest degree of proficiency, skill or excellence; flawlessness. This definition makes me think of competition and my middle daughter, Sydney.

Sydney is almost 15 years old, she takes a full load of high school classes, skis competitively 5 days/week, maintains friendships at home and on the mountain, has a significant case of scoliosis, has recovered from a torn ACL with 9 months of serious physical therapy, is a vegetarian, loves to sing, plays guitar, creates henna tattoos, cares about her family, thinks deeply about life and prays every night.

People on the outside looking in, have questioned our family's "pursuit of perfection." Those people don't know us or Sydney.  If you met Sydney you would see someone who has a full life, an extroverted personality and is always thinking about what she is going to do next.  She would also tell you that she strives for perfection on the race course every day and that she doesn't always make it in the Top 10. People assume that because we have turned our lives upside down that she is on track to go to the Olympics.  No, we do it because she loves it!  She has passion, a tremendous work ethic and she has perception. 

Perception?  According to Merriam-Webster dictionary perception is the physical sensation interpreted in the light of physical experience; appreciation. What does perception have to do with perfection?  In this case, it's how Sydney and, we, interpret her “pursuit of perfection.”  Her experience thus far has been invaluable and she has learned at a very young age that it is not about the end result, but about her journey. 

Sydney has taught us that the "pursuit of perfection" on the race course, in school, in life, in our careers or relationships is really about living up to our potential; living our life to the fullest.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start pursuing your perception of perfection!

Peace, Gratitude and the Pursuit of Perception!