Real is Better Than Perfect

Book excerpt: It is a rare book of wisdom sayings that speaks to the heart, soul, and to common sense. Real is Better than Perfect is such a gem, a treasure trove of insight in the plain language of a favorite mentor, grandmother, or best friend. From summers growing up on a Colorado ranch through a sometimes turbulent journey as a wife, mother, teacher, and finally a master psychodramatist, the life-lessons and insights of Dorothy Baldwin Satten contained on these pages are touchstones for those seeking to live more authentic, joyful and fulfilled lives. They inspire a deeper look into our humanity, and challenge us to become more completely ourselves with an opening thesis so bold and freeing that if one could realize it, profound self awareness and liberation would surely follow. "There is a still point at our center, a place where we can go and be safe even when all hell is breaking loose. Getting there can happen in an instant. Staying there takes a commitment to self-care, to loving yourself, and to forgiving yourself for failing-maybe many times a day. A fast-track to that still point is to decide to be our authentic selves...accepting that, truly, real is better than perfect." -Dorothy Baldwin Satten