Feeling "imperfect"? Comparing yourself to others?....then please read this !

[jnette, ASN, EMT-I]

To all my "Crackpot" Allnurse Friends ...

Too often we think we aren't all we could and should be. Too often we fall into the trap of looking at those around us, comparing ourselves, and feeling like failures. If you have this tendency, please read on. Then SMILE. :)

Subject: Cracked Pot

A water bearer in China had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a

pole, which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in

it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion

of water.

At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked

pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily,

with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots of water to his

house.

Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, for which

it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own

imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of

what it had been made to do.

After 2 years of what perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the

water bearer one day by the stream. I am ashamed of myself, because

this crack in my side causes to leak out all the way back to your house.

The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there are flowers on

your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side?

That's because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower

seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you

water them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful

flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are,

there would not be this beauty to grace the house."

Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it's the cracks and flaws we

each have that make our lives together so very interesting and

rewarding. You've just got to take each person for what they are and

look for the good in them.

To all of my crackpot friends, have a great day and remember to smell

the flowers.

[Paige Turner RN]

thanks that was nice, and yes, I am a cracked pot

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

What she said.

[Shamrock, BSN, RN]

I'm chipped big time!! Thanks jnette, that was nice.

[acuteobrn]

Jnette, That is just what I needed to see, thank you!

I am definately the cracked pot!

[gwenith, BSN, RN]

Thank-you that was lovely!!! From one cracked pot to another:kiss

[Katnip, RN]

Oh, that's a nice one. I'm printing it to keep as a daily reminder.

[caffine addict]

Thank you from yet another cracked pot.

You guys are the flowers!!!

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

thanks jnette . . . .

signed,

pot with many cracks.

aka steph

[barefootlady, ADN, RN]

What a wonderful story. Thanks so much. I needed that. Have a great day .

[Teshiee]

OOOH thanks! Now I am all warm and fuzzy inside xoxoxoxox :-)