I often say that, “I can resist anything except temptation.” Some think
that I’m being clever, but that statement is unfortunately true and
has been for my entire life. I have very little self control, as is easy to
see by my wide girth.
When I was younger, I was somewhat disturbed by my inability
to resist things that gave me pleasure, such as food. However, as I have
aged, I have become thankful for the times I gave into an urge, even
though the results may have been less delightful than I might have
envisioned they would be. Now, I find I only have remorse about those
things I could have done, but chose not to do.
As I look back, I wish I had tried to kiss more girls, invested in more
businesses, and definitely taken more time off from work to indulge in
unworthy pursuits. It all comes down to that trite saying about “stopping
to smell the roses.”
In retrospect, I generally only regret those things I never did.
Fortunately, my lack of constraint has had a variety of wonderful results.
I have never thought that I should have told my parents more how much
I loved them and appreciated how much they contributed to making
me the person I am. Neither of them were very good at saying, “no”
to me or to my siblings. They encouraged us to live our lives with great
abandonment, just as they led theirs. There was nothing irresponsible in this
lifestyle. Rather, it was the understanding that joy and happiness were
our most pressing responsibility to share with those we loved.
I was taught to hug everyone and was assured that if someone didn’t
want their personal space invaded, they would tell me. Some have, and
I continue to feel sorry for them, as they were obviously restrained by
the rules of society that they were raised to respect and honor.
Likewise, I could never really comprehend the many social rules and
regulations that govern so many lives. I have very few filters and, thus, tend
to say things that others won’t. Yet, I have been able to exist in a world
filled with views about how a person should act. The majority of these seem
to involve not doing something because others might not approve, or
may consider it to be improper.
I start the buffet line, begin the dancing, and many other things that
might never get rolling if someone didn’t take the first initiative. That is
why I encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and do something
you have always wanted to, but which for any number of reasons,
have resisted doing.
Temptation is not bad in and of itself. After all, for it to be bad, you
must declare it so yourself. Try thinking of it rather as an opportunity, and
remember that seldom does opportunity knock twice. So, when you hear
it knock, open the door and see what is on the other side. Nothing ventured,
nothing gained.
I’m not myself today and everybody has noticed the improvement 47