Hi, I’m Emily. Welcome to Perfection Isn’t Happy!
I’m a 24-year-old newlywed, aspiring writer and FitFluential Ambassador, with a love for chocolate, oatmeal and exercise.
On July 14, 2012, I married my husband, Jordan. He is my best friend, and one of the most patient guys I know.
In 2011, I graduated with my B.A. in Communications from Indiana University, Indianapolis. I am still searching for a career that I love, but I have learned that the path to the right career is rarely straight and narrow.
I enjoy exercising and learning about nutrition and health, and I ran my first half marathon in November 2012. Don’t be fooled, though; I love to bake and cook, and I must eat something chocolate every single day (it may be an addiction…).
Through this blog, I share the adventures I have with my family and friends, my passion for fitness and health, my journey towards finding a career that fulfills me, and the ups and downs of newlywed life.
As far as “Perfection Isn’t Happy” goes, I have a type A personality, and I have always been a perfectionist. However, I have realized that being perfect is never possible. In order to be happy, you have to let go of perfectionism, and that is exactly what I am trying to do.
Thank you for reading, and I hope that you come back soon! Enjoy!
Yay, another Hoosier blogger!
Wow…I am just amazed and in awe of your story. You know, I felt almost the EXACT same was as you, when I was a freshman at IU. I felt strangely alone on such a HUGE campus. But that’s what I was “supposed” to do, right? I thought about moving back home (to Indy) 100 times, but I never had the courage to do it. I graduated with a degree that….I’m not even using right now.
So the moral of this long story is: you did EXACTLY the right thing. I can’t imagine the courage it took to take time off, and switch schools. But you, unlike SO many college grads, are actually going to end up doing something you love!
Thank you
. It was very difficult to put my stubborn, “perfectionist” personality aside for a few moments and admit to myself that something was wrong. I think a lot of college students have feelings of doubt at school, but no one really talks about those feelings, or that’s it’s okay to take a different path. (In my opinion) it’s a little ridiculous that we have to pick what we want to do for the rest of our lives when we’re 17 or 18 anyway.
Hey fellow Hoosier!
I find you story so beautiful and touching. I go to IU and understand how easy it is to get lost in a huge crowd! Life is about creating a balance that works for you…there is no right and wrong. Congratulations on you decision and I can’t wait to start following your blog!
Thank you! I love IU’s campus! I hope that you’re enjoying the start of this semester!
This is a beautiful story, thank you so much for sharing it! I’m also a perfectionist, kind of working myself into insanity recently… last quarter was not pretty :/
So it’s very inspiring to read your story, and I look forward to reading more!
Thank you for stopping by! Don’t be so hard on yourself this quarter (easier said than done, I know).
I’ve actually been somewhat successful… Almost leaning towards too much apathy!
But thank you
I’ve been the same way (I need to get more motivated!)…haha
Hi! I just found your blog- thank you so much for sharing your story! I am really looking forward to reading more
I too am a fellow Hoosier blogger, nice to meet you friend!
I live in a NE suburb of the city. I am over the snow and can’t wait for spring AMEN!
Your “letting go of perfection” hits close to home for me. It’s a struggle to keep up a facade of being perfect to everyone else because that’s what they think of you, when inside you are struggling.
Love your story and good for you for making a tough, but right decision!
Thank you for reading! It’s nice meeting other people from IN!
I can relate to your story in so so many ways. Thanks for sharing your story!
You are welcome…that means a lot to me to have you say that!
I definitely remember after the novelty of college wore off – about 6 weeks into freshman year – I was hit with the hard reality that I was in a strange place, with no one I really knew or could trust. I’ve talked to a lot of younger kids who went through similar confusions and always try and reassure them that it’s normal – just no one ever warns you about it! Eventually it all works out for everyone – college wound up being an amazing 4 years. I’m glad you found your happy place!
Thank you
!
Emily, I love your blog! I am also a 20-something trying not to be such a perfectionist, and I was also an RA in college…though I went to IU, so the percentage of you that feels tied to the Boilermakers should probably resent me.
Haha, no resentment here…I ended up graduating from the IU part of IUPUI, so I kind of have to favor both schools
I absolutely agree with what you said… you need to love yourself first. Knowing who you are and accepting yourself is the first step to happiness. Then you can be free to love someone else completely.
Love this page!
Thank you!!
Love your story!! And I’m learning to love myself before I can move forward to be in love with anyone! Your blog name is amazingly on the spot. loving your blog!!
Thank you so much! Thanks for reading
LOVE your blog hun! Keep doing your thang
Wendi
Thanks!
Love your story! We have a lot in common! Yay for being recent graduates..with B.A.’s in communications!!
Thanks for reading! Congrats!
I just found your blog, and I love it! you have an amazing story, glad I discovered it
Thanks for reading!
loved reading your blog! you are an amazing writer but I am sure I am not the first to tell you! perfectionism is not something easy to overcome especially when so many don’t understand the demands it can put on one. it is really inspriring to hear of a young girl who is finding her life in her own terms! looking forward to keep reading your blog!
Thank you!
I found your blog from a comment of ELR and I am just starting blogging. I’m from Indiana too and its so great to see hoosiers in the blog world! I love your story and it speaks greatly to me, except I never made the leap and stayed at my college. I did find my fiance at that school though, so I can’t be too angry.
Good luck with everything!
Yay, someone else from Indiana! Thanks for reading!
I’ve struggled my entire college career, as well. I’ve gone through so much it’s ridiculous and I know exactly what you mean by focusing on things you can control (like eating/exercising). I’m having a rough time now and because of my constant issues with roommates (drug addict, alcoholic, etc), I really don’t have anyone to turn to. You’re inspiring and beautiful! I’m glad I stumbled upon your blog
Aw, thank you so much for reading. I’m sorry you’re going through that right now..I know how tough/annoying it can be. I’m glad you can relate though!
I started tearing up at your story! I’m going through the same thing–I’m currently a junior in college and not “having the time of my life,” like everyone told me I would. I am way too hard on myself and constantly strive for perfection, even though I know it doesn’t really exist. Your story really touched me and (though it’s too late for me to transfer,) it’s good to hear that there is hope!
Thank you so much for reading
. There is definitely hope!
This is a very sweet story and you are brave to share it with everyone
I am so happy you “found yourself”, so many people go through life just “going through the motions”.
The grown up world is hard, but it also has so many great opportunities
I’m probably the only guy to [ever] post on here (I’m not afraid or I’m just too stupid to be worried of ridicule) but here it goes…
This is cool Emily, I didn’t know all this about you (anything, actually, since I really haven’t taken any time to read your likes/bio, etc., on Facebook until today when you said you were engaged…congrats and I wish you two the best!). You seem like a very level-headed but personable individual, and, it’s funny, but you remind me a bit like myself (not that you could necessarily tell the way I clown with my terrible puns and “80′s sweaters” at work).
You’re a very creative writer and –if I may say so– [scratch that phrase...this comment box doesn't let me do that] you keep it up.
Thanks, Jonathan! That is very nice of you to say. You’re not the first guy to comment on here either, so no worries
.
Great blog and inspiring story, I hope 2012 brings you even more happiness!
Thanks you!
What a beautiful, heartfelt post. I am the same age as you (I also started college in 2006) and I too have had my share of challenges and learning experiences. I started my own blog in May 2011 as a way to write (one of my favorite activities) and to document how I am working to get over an eating disorder, which I attribute to have always been a perfectionist. Reading your bio reminds me of myself because I attribute my eating disorder (and all the mental confusion and anguish that comes with it) to being a perfectionist and “people pleaser”. Anyway, sorry for the long ramble, I just feel so happy that I stumbled upon your blog because I feel like I can relate to you. Cannot wait to start following you!
I’m glad that you can relate
. Thanks for reading!
Hey, thanks for the Twitter follow! Glad to have found your blog. I am currently struggling with body image perfectionism and working on trying to be less controlling with eating and exercise. I hope we can help each other out and I can’t wait to keep reading your posts! I minored in Comm BTW – we’ve got a bit in common there too!
Thank you so much for reading! I’m excited to follow your blog, as well!
I felt the same way as you during most of college. I lasted one semester at a private school – partly due to struggling with an eating disorder and partly because I just felt so out of place. I transferred to a local school and commuted from home and it was so much better for me. I have always felt embarrassed that I couldn’t hack it at college like most people do. Anyway I’m really glad I found your blog, you’ve got me hooked!
Thank you so much for reading!
You have such a great story. I’m also a bit of a perfectionist and it’s hard to let go. HUGE kudos to you for making a hard decision (taking the semester off and becoming an intern) that ended up being the right decision. It’s amazing when things work out that way.
Thank you, and thanks for reading
!
perfectionism is both a blessing and a curse in my life. I have the same struggles: introverted, perfectionistic, and beating myself up when I inevitably don’t live up to my standards.
Also, it’s funny that I stumbled upon your blog, because I JUST wrote a post on perfectionism. Perfection is….not being perfect: http://wp.me/pVLR9-12g Not trying to promote my blog or anything, just thought it was ironic.
Too funny…I’ll have to read it
Just wanted to let you know I just tagged you in my post and awarded you the “Liebster Blog Award”
I just stumble upon your blog and I love it. I too donated my hair a few years ago to locks of love. I too have struggle with being an overachiever, the need to fit in. I love the reminder that It comes from accepting what are true authentic self wants us is where happy lives not the other way around.
Wow! Emily, this post really moved me. It’s stories and words like these that remind me, we are all in this together. We are not alone! I can totally relate to your struggles with perfectionism and how it can overwhelm us to the point of breakdown. My perfectionist tendencies led me to a very dangerous path..eating disorders, depression, you name it. I have fought through it and am at a much better place, but I still struggle with it at times..
However, I always try to remind myself of how much God loves me no matter what! he loves me for who I am..and I am special in his eyes! your post reminded me of this once again..and I thank you
Thank you so much for reading! I love this blogging community because I can relate to so many people too.
Cheers to you, brave girl. Life is worthwhile and healing is possible. Isn’t life delicious? Keep fighting the good fight.
A.
http://www.wildheartcity.wordpress.com
I love reading your blog because even though I might be living all the way in the Caribbean, we still have a lot in common. I recently graduated as well and I am trying to figure out myself and what I really want. Thanks Emily for sharing your story!!
Thank you for reading!
Hi Emily!
Have to say — I really love the message you’re (succeeding in) sending. It really spoke to me, deep inside. I, too, struggle with perfectionism. It’s a very vicious cycle, almost debilitating at times. I look forward to continuing to follow you!! Thanks for sharing your story and your insights!!
Thank you for reading, Chelsie!
LOVE THIS! you are totally right…it’s not about being OK with a bad hair day, it’s about finding the root of the problem and loving and accepting yourself. i can never hear that enough times
love the blog, keep it up!
Thank you for reading!!
A Hoosier blogger! I love it. What half marathon are you training for?
I ran the Monumental Half Marathon a couple of weeks ago! Guess I need to update my About Me page
.
I really like your blog concept “Perfection isn’t Happy”! Too many people think they need to have everything to be happy with their life! It is important to finding interests that YOU love, surround yourself with POSITIVE people that make you feel good about yourself, and be SUCCESSFUL reaching your OWN goals….these things make me happy! I look forward to following your blog!
We have so many similarities, Emily! I got married June 16th this year… I also just graduated college but haven’t found the right job yet. I ran my first half-marathon in October 2012. And we’re both admitted type A perfectionists! It’s like we’re living the same life this year, in a way! So cool to “meet you.”
Nice to meet you too! Thanks for reading!! I’m going to go check out your blog
.
Love this blog title. Sounds like the story of my life. I also absolutely LOVE indy! i lived there during an internship and would love to live there again at some point!!! Looking forward to reading more!
-Vicky D
Hi Emily! I came across a few comments you left on other blogs and was really intrigued by the name of your blog (I struggle with perfectionism as well) so I decided to click over. I’m so happy I did! Your blog is a pleasure to read and I’m looking forward to reading more
Thanks for reading!!
I diddnt know u had a blog. I just like read your whole blog I love you Emily.
Aw, Corbin, thanks for reading. Love you
.
Hi Emily! Haha, I love the name of your blog! Like you, I used to be a complete perfectionist, a typical Type A personality… over the years I think that I’ve mellowed considerably to the point where I can now tolerate my husband leaving things all over the living room (all the time!) whilst also creating muddy footprints and forgetting to put the milk back in the fridge! Oh, and if I don’t get something completed? There’s always tomorrow! It’s definitely been a hard journey towards ‘reform’ though. You are completely right – leading a more relaxed lifestyle, letting things go… it’s like taking small steps towards happiness and increased satisfaction with the way things are now. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. I look forward to reading more of your adventures as the year progresses
Thank you for reading! It’s nice to hear that it is possible to overcome perfectionism
!
Hi Emily,
I stumbled upon your blog, and just wanted to let you know I really love it!
My favourite thing is probably the honesty and genuine way in which you write, I really admire that because that’s so hard to do online.
Just like you, I’m definitely prone to being a perfectionist, and I’m working everyday to let things go, stop over-analysing things and controlling things; and just going with the flow of life and being happy and content with it all
Keep blogging!
Kloe x
I love that you have the same addiction to chocolate as me
Glad we connected through our blogs and I’m looking forward to keeping up with yours!
I’m looking forward to keeping up with yours, as well!
GREAT blog! I absolutely love your wedding dress, too
I just found your blog and have been reading through some archives. Love it! Thanks so much for sharing a part of your soul with us!
Now that I know you blog I’ll be sure to follow! Getting the opportunity to capture your external beauty allowed me to witness the beauty within! Keep up the great work and opportunities will present themselves; ppl are reading!
. Take care, Kierstie-
Thank you, Kierstie!