Sacrifices

Hey Steemers!

I want to talk about the relationship between sacrifices, goals, and quality of life. Society often juxtaposes the latter two, glorifying a grinding work ethic that leaves little room for enjoyment. I have several thoughts about this. First and foremost, I'd like to address society. STAY OUT of the business of individual choice. Most people do not fit your arbitrary standards- bench yo'self.

However, I will say this. Goals require sacrifices, to varying degrees. Committing yourself to an extreme goal is badass- as long as you have come to terms with the things you will give up in exchange. I'll share an story that is applicable to many humans struggling with body image. I play the comparison game, constantly finding my body lacking in a world of fitness models and ripped physiques. Many of these individuals are elite athletes, and I respect the discipline that goes into what they do. They give up A LOT in order to exist at single digit body fat percentages: travel, spontaneous date nights, glasses of wine with dinner, sleeping in...

They have chosen to do so, and there is nothing inherently wrong with this. What it means is that average humans, who enjoy chips with burritos and go to the gym only once a day, should not compare their bodies to those who live on sacrifice. There is no reason to give up the things you enjoy, unless you have decided that some end result is worth it. It takes a dramatic shift in behavior to go from healthy and fit, to extremely shredded. It's not better for your body or longevity, and can take a dramatic tole on your mental state. So I ask you this- is looking a certain way worth it to you? What will bring you true satisfaction, fulfillment, exuberance?

For my own health, I have chosen to sacrifice certain things. I often workout early in the morning, which means I almost never sleep in. But I am a morning person anyway so this feels easy to me; it feels like the right choice. I have a massive sweet tooth, so sometimes I'll make lighter meals (salads, roasted veg, spaghetti squash instead of true pasta)... so that I feel more comfortable indulging in carby, sweet goodness. I tend to only drink alcohol during major festivities. A caveat: these choices are not hard rules. I go against everything I've said here from time to time, because I choose to invite flexibility into my life. I have a massive spontaneity budget- I can't recommend it enough.

There are certain choices that will sit well in your psyche and bring you more. More joy, more laughter, more comfort with your physical form. They will vary widely between each of us, because there are innumerable ways to do this life thing. Let go of what does not serve you, and create habits that do. Construct fulfillment. It is a beautiful process.