Sugar Fast Day 18

Self-control. Why is it so difficult? Day after day, moment by moment I’m trying to nurture my children’s ability to exhibit self-control. Woooo and man is it HARD! And in turn it challenges your own ability to show it as well. I just want to screammmmmmmmmm!!! No, I must resist and breathe.

My kids are full of endless amounts of energy and life. When they get something in their heads, they won’t stop until they achieve their desired result. Down the road I envision these traits leading them to do great things, but the ability to have self-control must be a key component in that. And while they are itty bitty, it can appear to be complete and utter chaos. I must work on my own self-control in order to help them navigate their ability to exhibit theirs. What a challenge!!

So day after day, as I sometimes let my insanity get the best of me, I try to guide my little Energizer Bunnies by giving them direction and tools to nurture their ability to have self-discipline. I have been trying to write this blog entry for hours as my kids and dog run muddy circles around me. So I myself have to remember the tools that I give to them too—slow down, take deep breaths, focus, and harness some perspective.

All areas of our lives tie into this ability or inability to exhibit self-control. Knowing when to say quit and then actually stopping can be thought of as an art form. It needs to be cultivated and nurtured. Have enough be enough. Oh Lord do I say that over and over to my kiddos. As we journey through this fast from sugar, have enough be enough when it comes to portion size, but also have enough be enough when it comes to whatever else you struggle with.

Living a life of balance is what we should be striving for. Knowing when to stop is key in allowing us to find this place. Enjoying moments, going a little crazy from time to time, while on the other hand being able to relax and lounge at times, but everything working together to find that state of equilibrium, that place of equanimity and homeostasis. Call it what you wish, it’s a beautiful place to try to attain. Let’s do this with our eating habits and allow it to flow into all areas of life that we struggle to be able to find a stopping point with.

With palms wide open and deep breaths flowing let us find this place of self-control where balance can course through our veins and we can thrive.

-Tara xo