It occurred to me last week that I’m not actually an all-or-nothing person. Some people have a constitution that allows them to work out every single day or to never, ever eat chocolate. I admire these people and I honour them in their dedication. But I’m not one of them.
This is not to say that anything goes in Margaret’s life. I have made a commitment to eliminate sugar from my daily eating plan – for the most part. If I’m at a birthday party or feeling like rewarding myself for completing a project, I will enjoy a sweet treat without guilt or remorse. Similarly, there are days I forget to take my vitamins or tell myself I’m too busy to spend time in prayer.
This flexibility around standards is not a lack of discipline but rather a compassionate honouring of who I am. It has eliminated the “one wrong move” syndrome that used to run life when a piece of chocolate or an exercise-free day after a long period of “being good” could send me into a downward spiral of futility and self-sabotage. Forgiving the chocolate and loving myself anyway works much better.
Maybe someday I will grow into an all-or-nothing kind of person but I doubt it. Honouring myself where I am works better for me.
How about you? Are you one of the steadfast people who can adhere to always and never? If so, you have my respect and I’d love to hear how you do it. If you’re like me, let me know what works for you.
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