Good Enough: Conversation about Winnicott, and how to be "Good Enough"

Wild and Precious Conversations

Good Enough — Welcome to a Wild and Precious conversation replay where I tell a story about a “Good Enough” life and give some ideas for how you can get one of your own.

I forgot about using this photo. I needed one of me and took this with my phone as I was working. Why I look so surprised (and a little bemused, maybe?)

For this week — as my young adults return from school, my youngest is busy running from work to school to cello to — whatever — and I feel like a full time listener to a litany of “good enough” angsts, I actually decided I would replay my most popular episode.

And…I was a little surprised that is this one. In a lot of ways, understanding “good enough” or “perfectly imperfect” is core to this project, and what I hope for all of us. In any case, enjoy!

I began by diving into Winnicott and his ideas about the “good enough” care giver. What that means, why we mostly unfortunately didn’t have “good enough” parents and probably weren’t good enough parents ourselves. Also 1000% no shade to parents — first, we’re all in the same boat, trying to follow the latest expert advice rather than our “good enough” inner voice. And second, we know about this thing called resilience. We can learn to be “good enough” at any age.

What I talked about:

* First, Who was Winnicott and what was his message — and why was it so counter culture? What was the prevailing message for how to parent?

* Second, What happens when we don’t have “good enough” parents?

* Third, Okay — Great. What can we do to become “good enough”?

* Fourth, I tell a really inspiring story about a “good enough” person. I really hope that when you hear this story you will be inspired to do the work to become “good enough”.

Notes:

* Winnicott — Really good article about him, his radio broadcasts and the time that he lived in.

* Caroline McHugh — The Art of Being Yourself

* Chiune Sugihara — A good enough person.

Onward! Look for the Monday morning newsletter, and a conversation from the Wild and Precious podcast episode on Thursday.

I would love to hear from you! I’m really passionate about all of us living “good enough” lives. What do you do in your life to stay true to yourself? What do you need more of? What, if anything, can I do to help? Honestly, if you let me know and I know of a resource, I’ll send it your way. Thank you!

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