“Too much of anything—even a good thing—will often end up being a bad thing. Master moderation.” ~Lisa Merlo-Booth
There are countless “good things” in life, such as:
- Eating healthy.
- Being kind.
- Having fun.
- Enjoying a glass of wine, cigar, or a night of gambling.
- Exercising.
- Going to church.
Even the best things in life can turn your life upside down if done to excess. Eating healthy and exercising are potent acts of self-care—until they become acts of obsession. Having fun and enjoying a night out with drinks can be a tremendous stress reliever and a great way to connect—unless they become a crutch to help you escape. Similarly, being kind can be wonderful—until it results in you over-giving to others and them taking advantage of you. And yes, believe it or not, turning to the church can be a great source of comfort—until it becomes a spiritual straight jacket that leaves you in constant judgment of everyone around you.
Practice moderation. Regardless of whether you’re talking about going on a diet or eating healthy, having a drink, or exercising, be determined to avoid the extremes. Extreme behaviors throw your life and your relationships off-kilter. Be careful of allowing healthy life choices to spin into unhealthy life obsessions.
Challenge: Pay attention to moderation in all things. Notice the places where your choices are taking on a life of their own. If you struggle controlling something, chances are you’re letting a good action turn into a bad habit. Do what you must to reign that habit in and get your life back under your control. And always remember that even a good thing can turn into a bad thing if you’re not careful: Be careful.