We were always brought up being taught ‘everything in moderation’.
Yes there are diets. There are exercise. There are jobs. Hobbies. Tasks.
Everything.
Nothing was bad – nor was it really considered over indulging.
As long as everything is done in moderation.
Historically, I think we were a lot better at keeping things more moderate when life moved at a slower pace.
Years – even decades ago – the world seemed to turn just a little bit slower.
Sundays were a day of rest – not just for Religious reasons, but so that people could actually unplug and spend time with their families.
Forget unplugging even – technology was barely a thing so unplugging wasn’t in a term or phrase we considered using.
Our work days were fairly routine. Wake up, coffee and breakfast, go to work and come home for dinner sat around the table with our families.
There was order, routine.
No iPads or screens. No fancy gadgets or gizmos.
We lived our day in accordance with the street lights.
When they came on, we went home.
No ubers – we biked and walked everywhere.
Things were simpler.
Keeping things in moderation was simpler.
Our goals didn’t even seem so lofty and weighty.
Now, we’re told that the sky is no longer the limit. We can push further, do more – aim higher.
So we’re doing just that.
We’re going all out and doing all the things.
Moderation long gone out the window.
We are pushing ourselves to new heights – and not always in a good way.
The world seems to be spinning faster and almost out of control some days.
Our work lives and our careers are all of a sudden taking top priority.
We push harder to make more.
Our goals are fiscally motivated.
If we do more, if we work harder, if we sacrifice our sleep, our diets, our hobbies, our families and ever ourselves all for that bottom line – the all mighty dollar – only then have we achieved greatness.
What about happiness or sadness in moderation?
Or life in moderation?
If we constantly push ourselves to these extremes, are we even living?
Are we happy?
Sometimes we do these things not just for the money, but because we have evolved into a passionate and involved society.
Our care extends past our front doors and we care about those around us.
Not just our families, but our friends and neighbours and even those that may otherwise be hardly a blip in our lives.
We take on the burdens of others as our own in an effort to help make the world a better place in our own eyes.
Yet we often forget that some people find happiness in other things and we are entitled to make our own choices and decisions.
Some people really do live a full and happy life in moderation.
They have managed to shift the universe to balance in their favour.
Working, living, and playing in a delicate balance that will not be rocked by any one person or thing.
And then there are others who feel like they can do better, make things better for others, or make things better for themselves by immersing themselves deeply in the issues in an effort to make improvements.
Constantly striving to set everyone on the same path.
And while this works for some, it certainly does not work for all.
And what moderation is for one person, may also not apply to another.
If we focused on our own plights first and foremost.
Set goals for ourselves and worked on family goals and career goals.
Make life and happiness that little bit more obtainable.
Act and react with moderation instead of consistently aiming beyond our means.
At the end of the day, life will have the same outcome for all of us.
Some of us may be fortunate enough to live this life more comfortable than others.
If we can help others achieve their goals and comfort while maintaining our own, and keeping our own sanity – why shouldn’t we?
We all deserve happiness and we all deserve moderation.
Finding the delicate balance in this path called life may be our biggest challenge – but it is definitely possible.
Guest Blogger Rayna Davies
Rayna Davies is a graduate and practitioner of Business Management. She has developed an expertise in blogging, covering subjects like travel, world events and security. Having grown up with a father who has developed an expertise in Physical Security and Executive Protection in the RCMP and two major corporations, she has personally observed and experienced many security details. These experiences have included personally meeting HM Queen Elizabeth, Prime Minister Jean Chretien and many celebrities. She presently assists Sentinel Security in Executive Protection workshops and guest blogging and also assists Gloprosec Preventative Services in Intelligence gathering and Business Administration. Her passions include World travel, having visited every continent.