This is a tough dilemma for me. On one hand I believe that I need to exercise moderation, so that I do not allow an over indulgence in one aspect of my life to dominate all others to the point of causing unnecessary suffering. On the other hand, I also consider the concept of moderation as a cop out and really just an excuse to be mediocre. So how to I reconcile this?
I think the answer lies in awareness. Being aware, really aware of what is going on in your life. For example, I am pushing really hard on my nutrition and running right now. In the last two weeks I have completely cut out sugar in my diet and have increased the amount of time I spend running by 100%. I need to be aware of the impacts. First on a physical level. Am I being honest with myself? Is the impacts of the intense running routine having a negative impact on me? Is eating no sugar, and not allowing myself a treat having a negative impact on my emotional stability.
Ok. This is my blog. Yes, I really do need Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream to feel better emotionally. You would not understand, or perhaps you would?
Anyway, I put into my 365 commitment today to perform self evaluation. This morning, I actually feel really good. Yesterday, I was extremely sore and my legs were fatigued after running 13 miles. You would think that I would wake up this morning really stiff and unable to move. My muscles would be screaming at my to stay still. However, the exact opposite has occurred. I woke this morning with a spring in my step, and with energy. I did my 252 Pushups, Situps, and Squats without even thinking about it and in just under 30 minutes. I also felt emotionally really stable. I would say that the running routine and the nutritional stance of no sugar is having a very positive effect on me.
However, that is not the tough part of the self evaluation. The tough part is asking yourself – is the focus that I am currently zoomed in on having a negative impact in other areas of my life? Am I ignoring other important things to me? This is an uncomfortable query, but necessary. I think this is the part of awareness which helps solve the dilemma between mediocrity and moderation. I did not get everything done on my 365 list yesterday, and I barely got finished with a few important items (like this blog), however, I did so because of some other even more important parts of my life. In that instance – I chose the better part of moderation. Now if I were to have laid around eating that ice cream and indulging in lazy behaviour and ignored both my commitment and what was important to me – then that would have been mediocrity.
Guy Reams (302)
365 Member
