Too Much “Trash” Causes Life Imbalance
Rick Osborn | May 9, 2008Work, wife, husband, problems, faith, health, exercise, kids, bad choices, family, bad behavior, friends, faith, work . . . What a juggling act that we daily face.
What’s the right mix? What’s the right combination? How do we give attention to all of the crucial elements of life and maintain a healthy balance? A little disequilibrium almost certainly breeds anxiety and stress, even for the seemingly well-adjusted individual. But what happens for those who have extreme issues that hold us back and throw a healthy life out of kilter?
What am I talking about?
Well, let’s say that you’re confronted with some of the following, while trying to maintain “apparent” normalcy in your life:
- Bad health (yours or that of a loved one)
- Obesity or excessive weight gain
- Difficulties at work
- Disobedient children
- Infidelity (either yours or that of a spouse)
- Addiction (alcohol, food, spending, sex or other)
- Mounting bills or financial disorder
Chances are, one or even several of the above problems apply to you. In fact, if you were to walk into a crowd, close your eyes and throw a stone, most likely you’d hit someone who was dealing with one of the above issues. It’s unfortunate, but it’s true.
We live in a fallen world. Your idealism or perspective on life may lead you to deny this, but it will never change that fact. We all have problems - we all screw up. And while some problems are worse than others, the fact remains, that to be human means to fumble, to struggle and God forbid, even do stupid things.
If you’re in the midst of some rampant turmoil that has your world spinning out of control, THIS IS YOUR TIME TO BE PROACTIVE.
I realize that there are some things over which we have no control. But I must ask -
Are you taking control of the things in your life that will provoke positive change? Or, are you leaving that to fate, to chance or even worse, to someone else?
More practically, ask yourself the following:
Is my problem due to my behavior?
If so, then stop what you’re doing wrong and make a change. You’re the only one who can do it. If you’re not quite sure what you’re doing wrong, then do some research to find out. This is what good friends, ministers and counselors can help you with.
Is my problem due to someone else’s behavior?
If so, then remove yourself from their harmful presence (such as in an abusive relationship). You’re an adult. Make the right choice and follow through. However, let me just say, that it’s very easy to blame someone else for your problems. Quickly blaming your issues on an “irritating” spouse or child is not the proper action to take, rather you should try to figure out what is the real cause for the conflict. If a family member is nagging you, then maybe there’s a legitimate reason. If you have a spouse or family member that’s abusive, that’s a different story.
“But . . . but . . . but . . . but . . .” Stop the excuses and just do it. Nike coined that phrase “just do it.” Nancy Reagan coined the effective phrase “just say no”. Quit making excuses for your lack of responsibility, bad choices and bad behavior. I have no patience for those who consistently excuse bad behavior, make bad choices and do stupid things out of immediate comfort or convenience, and you shouldn’t either. Ignorance is one thing, but staying or playing in the mud, when you know better, is inexcusable. And let me just say, if you don’t have the cojones, the hutzpa, the gumption to do what it takes to improve your life, then contact me. I’ll be more than happy to help you figure it out for a fee.
If you want to change, then you’ve got to quit settling for malevolent, convenient mediocrity and take a stand. Do the right thing! The human condition seems to dictate that we naturally gravitate towards that which is easiest and feels good. Just because something is easy, doesn’t make it right.
Diamonds are created under extreme pressure. Gold and silver are purified by fire. We all need some heat to bring out the gems of our lives. Your situation may seem bad, but it’s not really any different than anyone else’s. If you want to restore a healthy balance to your life, then take out the trash in your life and start anew.
Forget the past, quit dwelling on what you’ve done wrong and start doing the right thing today. If you do this, tomorrow and the rest of your future will just get better.
