Do All Things in Moderation - what does that mean to you?
Here's a quote I found that resonate with me:
"My motto is: Live every day to the fullest - in moderation." -- Lindsay Lohan.
Here are my thoughts of what it means for me:
- I enjoy every moment (or second) of my life. How do I enjoy it? I notice my love ones, my friends, and the activities I do every day in a loving perspective. I dwell on the happy and fun memories of what I enjoy most.
- Lend a helping hand if I am capable of doing so without harming myself or others with no grudge or complaints.
- I say "yes" to life instead of finding excuses to say "no".
I constantly remind myself -- do all things in moderation or I'll burn myself out. That will be no fun at the end of the day...
What are your thoughts? How do you take things in moderation? I love to hear your perspective.
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Hi! The idea of “all things in moderation” comes to us originally from the Ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus. Mindless hedonism and obsession with any particular material satisfactions were to be avoided. These won’t bring a person happiness, he taught.
Rather, a balance of physical, intellectual, and emotional elements is to be aimed for, if you want contentment. This attitude is at odds with modern consumer messages, which so often through marketing, promise to fix all that ails you with THE ONE THING THEY CAN SELL YOU.
I agree with Epicurus’ attitude and want a well-rounded existence of ideas, giving, learning, relationships, action, and pleasure. There are many people who professionally research the science of happiness and wellness, who in more detailed measures, validate Epicurus’ ideas.
In short, it means, in order to be happy, I must have a well-rounded existence. Not lop-sided and heavily focused on only one thing. All my senses and needs and potential must be engaged. And I should regularly reassess where I am and fix any parts of my life or character which have gotten less attention.
Thank you, Ivy for sharing the historic aspect of all things in moderation. That is very interesting indeed. I love the idea of being well rounded as well as being in balanced.
However, I am learning to be easy on myself when I get out of whack. After all we are perfect the way we are with always room for improvements. That is what make us all so special and unique in our own little way...
Thank you again for visiting and sharing with us your thoughts and inspirations.
An interesting response! I don’t think I’m adequate (much less perfect) as I am, though. I’m not seeking perfection either, but positive growth. I feel as if this is one of the core reasons for my being.
I guess being perfect for me is different than being flawless or something intangible. An example, you are perfect in the creation of who you are with all the imperfections and everything included in your package of "you." There is no possible duplication. To me that is perfect. Anything else different than it wouldn't be "you". Everything fit perfectly for "you".
Not sure if I explain it well enough. I hope I made a little sense at least. I think we both say similar things but in different words...
But yes, positive growth is great. That is what l strive to achieve as well. It challenges me out of my comfort zone and become more of who I can be or want to be...
Thank you for engaging this conversation with me. I enjoy it...
Mmmm, I suspect we are expressing similar ideas in different ways. :) I think we’re in agreement.
I recall an evening, a long, long, time ago, when I was only seven years old, and so consumed with the idea that a person existed for a purpose, that I stared the whole night long into the dark trying to figure out what mine might be.
It seems so funny to describe it now, especially since I’ve no idea where I got the notion. But by morning, I had decided on a long list of ‘things about me I should change’. Also the idea, that I must make the best of my short life to accomplish some of these positive changes. I had work to do.
As I grew older, this to-do list grew longer and encouraged many different courses, projects and adventures. I went through many growing stages, made many funny mistakes. I think my speech, manners and handwriting were also very different throughout.
I’m still changing, growing and looking for opportunities to learn! The thing that helped me most to move beyond accepted limits, was to never accept the idea that ‘that’s just who I am’ or, ‘that’s just how I was made’. I could always do better, and disown any habits or beliefs that held me back.
So that brings us to another related topic. In changing so often, I’ve hardly died or disowned any ethics. I’m still me. But if a person can keep changing so much for the sake of improvement, that many of the things we once held dear have fallen away... which part of you is really you?
Imagine: you lose or surrender everything... but then you discover you still have the whole world. Are people possible holding onto aspects of their behaviour they wrongly think is part of their unique self? And then, missing out on the discovery of who they might really become?
Very thoughtful observation. You have been aware at an early age and still maintaining it through out your life. It is a wonderful thing to observe and re-create yourself limitless.
I do believe changes provide opportunity to grow. For some, they do not grow because they are constantly fighting changes. Missing out or not is for them to decide. It is hard to judge where they came from and where they are headed or want to head. Every one has their own paths. Some may never learn but that is what they choose.
Perhaps, we are everything and nothing. We can be what we want to be through what we want to experience. Our past, present, and future actions do not define us because we just are. Those are just subsets of ourselves.
Right or wrong? It's only my opinions and perspectives.
Great question -- What is surrender? Does it mean giving up or just letting go of the frustration or negative emotions?
Haroda,
I do it but one problem I over do it and that's when my body get's revenge! lols!
Great post my friend!
Frank
Totally with you there. Sometimes I get obsessed and over do it too. The body is a miraculous state of the art. It reminds me everytime I am out of balance.
Thank you for stopping by and sharing with me your thoughts.
I agree but it's a hard one for me that I am constantly working on. I seem to be wired for all or nothing and that can be very stressful. I am aware of it though so I do manage myself constantly. :)
~Mark :)
Congratulations! Having awareness is powerful. It's then you have choices. You can continue the same course or change your state to a new course. There are no real right or wrong answers. Only what benefit us most...
Thank you for reading my blog and sharing your thoughts. I appreciate it.
That is very true... Do the best that you can and that is enough. Thank you for your thoughts.
Haroda
I usually have many words to add but tonight moderation sounds perfect the way you explain. It’s the way I live my life to!
Wayne
Such a huge word, with many meanings.
Moderation to me means:
1. Take each day in strive.
2. Take your time and do it right. A little done right is better than a lot that isn't right.
3. Live within your means. Down size in all things.
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Hey Ha,
Very thought-provoking post. Just like progress in WA. Slow and
steady with the eye on the prize. Great advice.
Cheers,
Ken
Thank you for visiting and leaving your thoughts. I like your comparison. Consistency is good...
Hey Ha,
You are welcome. Thanks for the like and I appreciate your comments.
Cheers,
Ken
Thank you for the like.
Ken