Self-Control
Maybe it has always been the case, but it seems like we are in a time where self-control could be used a little more heavily.
Self-Control shapes everything. It really does, especially whenever it comes to how we treat one another (and ourselves). Social media, social interactions, social graces all require a dab of it. There is a time to talk, and there is a time to zip it. There is a time to speak up, and there is a time you're just going to create a bigger mess.
When you make the decision to regulate your actions, you are making a decision to build some strength. When you stop responding to everything everyone says about you or to you, you are stopping the habits you've created that drive you to care about how everyone views you should be.
Self-Control is not the same as being uptight. With Self-Control, freedom should follow shortly behind it. The freedom comes because you are no longer held. Do you see what that means? Whenever you say no to the drink that usually eases some tension, to the snide comment that usually boosts your ego, to the vindictive action that usually makes you feel better, you're actually creating freedom from all of those things that, in all truth, hold you.
You're also separating yourself from the person who usually drives you to those kinds of actions. You see, if you're responding to every action that they make, they have some sort of control of you; they can get you to jump, to react by their actions. That's control, folks. And we want the control over our own lives. We want the power to say yes or no and refuse to let any of someone else's actions shape ours.
Self-Control is taking back our control. It'd moderation. It's mindfulness. It's simply living according to wisdom. Sit still for a moment and ask some questions before you react. Take some time apart from the social media, the friendship, the food item that makes you out of control and refuse to let it hold you any longer. Because you're stronger. And because you need it.
Photo Story: This photo was taken in my small town. Some days I need to go for a ride, and some days I need to sit still. On this particular day, I decided to perch in one of the small parks in town to listen and to think. It was an exceptionally foggy day, and I got clarity in the fog. Fog has significance for me as sort of a promise between my maker and me. Whenever there's fog, it's really hard to see very far in front of you. You either have to decide to sit still or trust that as you move forward, you'll start to see what you need to as you need to. And fog can't stay. It will soon disappear. You may not exactly know what happened from Point A to Point B, but it doesn't change that you made it. And the thing about fog is it rarely disappears all it once; it usually disappears slowly over time. Change takes time. It may not happen all at once. You may not be able to tell that it's happening, but that doesn't mean change is not happening. It is. Be patient and trust.
All the good stuff to you, my friends.
x Keely
