I’ve decided there needs to be a framework from which I decide what’s a “good” self-improvement, and what is a “bad,” more damaging effort that’s a no-win situation.
Particularly in the arena of anti-aging, I see many things targeting our fears about aging and the ravages of time. Fear-based buying and endeavors are absolutely not winning situations for any of us, and I think I have to create a set of rules for my journey.
That said, I’m just jotting down some quick truths that I hope will guide me, and I hope to refine this thinking over the next few months.
Realistically, as much as I’d like to live a whole and spiritual life in which I don’t care about how I look or how time passes me by… I’m just too vain and human to allow that kind of wisdom to prevail.
Not yet.
I know very good and well that my “wellness” efforts have ulterior motives. I want to look better, feel better, remain young and fit as much as I can. So… how to get the ego under control and let reason rule my decisions?
Here are my instinctive thoughts on protecting myself from things that will fail and disappoint me:
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I must evaluate each new purchase or effort with a simple question, “Is this ego-driven, or spirit-driven?” I won’t always choose things that are spirit-driven, but at least I’ll be facing the truth about why I want to try it.
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I must ask myself, “If this works, what will the reward be?”
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Also, “If this fails, what will the consequence be?”
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Is my desire to “correct” this beauty or health flaw driven by ego or love for myself?
That’s just a really quick assessment of some things I have failed to ask myself in the past, and a resolution I’m making today to avoid a never-ending cycle of trying diet yo-yo situations, snake oil beauty remedies, and quick-fix products for physical wellness.
Doing the work should nourish the soul and always represent progress, not an unattainable goal that will lead to disappointment and a sense of failure.