They are perfectionists who despise carelessness and incoherence in others. However, as critical as they are of others, they usually turn that criticism inwards on themselves. They dislike being criticised by others because they already know their own faults.

Virgos have the tendency to be as overly critical of others as they are of themselves. They can be seen as petty and are often skeptical of the ideas of others. They are worriers, which may lead them to be hypochondriacs. Their constant need for perfection can wear on others.

— from Explore Astrology

I’m thinking of changing my Astrological Sign. Because I really really really hate being a Virgo. I tell this to people all the time. When they ask me, “So, what’s your sign?”, I always GROOAAAN. “Virgo,” I say, “the worst sign.”

I know I should probably have a better attitude toward my sign because, like my height, I may not like it but there’s nothing I can do about it. I might as well embrace it.

But how to “embrace” this perfectionism that — come on you see it! — plagues me and my fellow Virgins (heh)! Why can’t I be all careless and just go with the flow and drink diet Pepsi and cook with Teflon pans and drink bottled water and sleep in and eat BON BONS without THE GUILT and self-beRATING? WHY, Gorgeouses, WHY?

Every week I try to quit CHAI TEA LATTES this and quit GOING TO BED AT 2am that. Maybe if I just stopped trying to quit things and BE PERFECT and live up to what really are UNATTAINABLE IDEALS, I’d stop obsessing about and DESIRING these things?

It’s hard being a Virgo. And, perfectionism is the WORST trait ever. It’s so vain.

I’m trying to teach my daughter to love herself, trying to cultivate her self-esteem. How to do that if I have NONE! If I’m so hard on myself every freaking day?

Sigh. I guess it’s my lot in life, though. It’s in the stars, the cards…. I guess the healthiest thing I can do, really, is to just embrace my perfectionism, not to expect SO MUCH from myself, AND try to let things go. In the spirit of this CHALLENGE, then, here are 13 DOABLE changes I’d like to make in my own time, with no pressure, when I’m ready…. Check it!


Image c/o Blue Star Chronicles.

1. I would really LOVE to quit caffeine. It’s simply not good for my anxiety-prone constitution. I LOVE the way it feels, though, WHILE I’m drinking it. But, like, right after I drink it, I crasheth…. BANG. MESS. I hear green tea has a different KIND of caffeine…. Maybe I’ll drink more of that, and less black tea…CHAI…?

But, in the words of it’sgrandma, it’s so darn BORING….

2. I REEEEEALLY wish I could get to bed early. 11pm. I could sleep until 6am (when Rascal wakes up), and then do work in the peace and quiet of morning….

I hear it’s MUCH healthier to go to bed before midnight and wake up early, than it is to go to bed late and wake up late…. (It’s just that I’ve always ALWAYS been most productive late at night…ALWAYS!)

3. I need to stop wearing THESE in public….

But, NEED new shoes! NEED cute sandals! But, cute sandals must be comfortable on my (wide) achy dancer’s feet!

4. MORE YOGA! I’d love to be able to practice daily, like I used to….

…another reason why it’d be great to wake up earlier…. I’d also love to try new teachers, new studios, workshops. Maybe when the kids are a little older?

5. Finish books that I start…. Or, at least read ONE book at a time and not 20. Currently, am reading these:

…There are more, but I’m too lazy to post ALL of them…. These are the main ones.

6. I’d like to start buying more vegetables….

…and EATING THEM. I’ve been buying kale lately. And, basically, it sits in my fridge until it rots. Must ask Lori, our resident nutritionist, for kale recipe….

8. Drink more water….

…But not bottled water — bad for the environment….

9. I NEED to go on more dates ALONE with the hubby….

…seriously…. We need to make dates a regular thing, like weekly. Everyone needs a little romance in their lives….

10. I NEEEEEED to buy new bras…THAT FIT!

…I think I’ll try the BIG Bravado bra. It may not be purty, but we all know I need MAYJAH boob support these day. Will go TOMORROW…maybe. All the celebrities are using Bravado…, so SO MUST I!

11. I’d love to carve out some more time to relax and read blogs….

…and to comment. I often read blogs on my pinkberry, like, when I’m nursing. And, I can’t comment on the pinkberry. Commenting is important. Shows people you’re reading…. Who doesn’t love a comment!? So, I feel self-indulgent getting lots of lovely comments and not always giving back….

12. I’d love to be able to spend more time with my cats….

…Not YOU, Mmmmminden — who’s ALWAYS IN MY FACE (LOVE). But, the other two. I’m thinking MARGE! and Tigger need more loving…. Minden takes it all. But, he and I are soul mates….

13. Must make more time for PLAY. I take myself WAY too seriously. MUST learn to relax and to play more….


Illustration, with thanks, c/o Keri Smith.

Your turn, Gorgeouses…. What small changes would you LIKE to make in your life? It’s always good to write them down…. A good, doable, no-pressure first step….

Have you seen our nutritionist Lori’s BRINGING SEXY BACK post-baby diet and fitness plan? Check it — at Cheaty Kitchen!