We sit in Monticello café, a quiet, quaint place where diners need not yell over loud music to be heard, and wait for Kyle, the waiter, to deliver our grilled chicken subs.
Girls’ night out for dinner with my friend Sharon, who is as far from the chit-chat variety as you can get. She is one who guards her words as a dog his bone, and speaks sparingly. But when she does talk, she inspires.
Tonight, the conversation centers on self-control. Sharon says that the word “moderation” eludes her. Like in that old Lays Potato Chip commercial, “Bet you can’t eat just one,” it’s the whole bag or nothing.
She has always been a faster. For her, cold turkey is the only way. Sometimes it’s food she forfeits. And now it’s the news.
Everyone who knows her is aware that she totally immerses herself in politics and current events. Like Chicken Little, she will be the first to let you know when the sky is falling.
What a difference a single decision can make in our lives! Her choice to fast all the bad news makes me think…
Maybe I should adopt better habits myself. Something has to give, I know that much. How good for me is one episode after another of Criminal Minds?
But I love that show, and rationalize that it’s “educational” because you learn how to profile psychopathic minds… not to mention outsmarting the bad guys!
Being engrossed in TV tends to induce the munchies. I don’t know why it works that way, but it does. Commercials flash all-you-can-eat shrimp ads in your face and before you know it, the brain is telling the stomach that it needs a snack. So will I have to go cold turkey too?
After dinner, Sharon and I go to our separate cars and leave. I head straight over to Food Lion and make a bee-line for the frozen foods. Dessert is on my mind. I can almost taste those Nutty Buddies on sale. Two boxes for five bucks…
Those sundaes with chocolate/nut coating over vanilla ice cream, packed in a crunchy waffle cone. My cart turns to go there by itself on automatic, straight to the frozen section, when I suddenly spin it around and head in the opposite direction: the produce aisle…
You know, with all the delicious nectarines, grapes, oranges, apples… I grab a variety of fruits and leave the store, pleased with myself for having made a wise decision for a change. And I could have sworn I heard God say, “You can’t go wrong with these; I made ‘em myself.”
"Success is making one right decision after another.” ~ Don Nori
When did you feel proud of yourself after having made a wise decision?
Go ahead, you can brag here!
Thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure J.R. :-)
ReplyDeleteWow good for you....unfortunately I bought the OREOS.....LOLOLOL...As always...XOXOXOXO
ReplyDeleteJust adore this post! :)
ReplyDeleteI especially like what God tells you at the end - just perfect!
Blessings always!
Bonnie - Oreos; yum ;-)
ReplyDeleteMartha - Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I understand moderation either. I don't watch the news, if I can help it. But, my husband keeps it on constantly and it drives me batty. I KNOW the world is a bad place because I live in it. I also know that if I don't spend my time focused on all the negative and evil I can be happy inside my "cave" with my kids and life is absolutely blissful. I wish I could do that with food. I fast every single day right up to the point when my stomach or brain gets the best of me and it's usually due to some stupid online ad or tv commercial. Oh how I hate those bad for you food ads. TAX AND SEVERELY PUNISH THE TRASH FOODS NOW. Sorry, I had to have at least one outburst. lol Next time you go to the store send me some fruit too please. xoxo
ReplyDeleteRecently I went through a drive thru and had a huge craving for french fries..instead, I just settled for a coffee..knowing I definitely didn't need the fries. They sure can be tempting though! ;)
ReplyDeleteJenn - Yeah, watching too much news can be a downer :-( A steady diet of current events – the way things are nowadays - can’t be healthy. Our minds absorb this stuff. A little bit goes a long way. Does your husband watch a certain network?
ReplyDeleteI finally figured out that the TV ads are the culprit. Stay away from those and fruit tastes just fine ;-)
Jessica – Go girl! Where did that will power come from?
ReplyDeleteDenying ourselves fries is sort of like a miracle ;-)
Congrats on making a wise decision...Wish I'd done the same as I opted for a burger and fries from Five Guys today:)
ReplyDeleteDavid – At first the title of this was “One Right Decision,” because, well, I only made a wise decision that ONE time, and just wanted everybody to know about it ;-)
ReplyDeleteFive Guys must be an independent restaurant? I’ll bet they have some killer fries and burgers!
Debra, you are my hero for exhibiting such will power. There is no way I would've taken fruit over Nutty Buddies. I'm leaving the fruit for when I'm old, have lost all my teeth, and they're feeding it to me through a straw. For now, I want ice cream! And chocolate! And candy! Okay, I'm going to stop now. One more. And I want brownies! Alright. All done now. One more thing, there is no way you can watch Criminal Minds while eating fruit and look cool. No way. Now switch the fruit out for Nutty Buddies. Now we're talking! I'm just sayin', sister. :)
ReplyDeleteBella – oh Bella, you are just so charming ;-) Confession: Last Monday night we bought candy for the trick-or-treaters, none of whom showed up at our door because it was cold and rainy. So guess who watched horror movies and ate all the candy? You can’t let chocolates go to waste! Life’s too short to JUST be eating fruit – p-lease! Give me chocolate or give me death! Do you watch Criminal Minds? Who’s your favorite character?
ReplyDeleteModeration is something I do understand...It is my practice of yoga that has helped... My body will reject immediately if I over indulge be it in food, drink etc. I will feel it within the very next hour... I have also experimented with it as well...to see if I was imagining it all up!
ReplyDeleteI love watching criminal minds...
Savira – Thank you for sharing your secret with me. Sounds like I need a dose of daily yoga too. For awhile I did some of the exercises, then I got lazy. But if you say it’s a key to moderation, I guess I’ll resume. You watch Criminal Minds too? That must be a popular show everywhere!
ReplyDeleteI do live with moderation where food is concerned...I was grossly over weight sometime back..and today nothing can break my regime...I am so scared to going back to what I was that I gave up sweets a long time back..
ReplyDeleteDebra I used to watch Criminal minds...CSI when I was living in the US... this time when I went back I managed to catch up on all the episodes...even Grey's anatomy..private practice and then began watching Pan Am! But back here now and Hulu plus does not work here...
ReplyDeleteAlpana – oh girl, I don’t blame you. Tell me, how do you remain so steadfast?
ReplyDeleteI’ve been a yo-yo: up and down, up and down…
Anyway, bravo!
Savira – That’s right, I remember that you did live in the States. California, I believe. When you were last here for a visit, instead of catching up on the TV dramas, why didn’t you fly on out to the East Coast and visit me? We could have sat and watched them together, one episode after another!
ReplyDeleteyou would hate shopping with me -- i don't even go down the junk food aisle.... HAHA!
ReplyDeletemr. c has to sneak out later for jelly bellies, nerds, and chips!
Linda – Give him a break Linda! Jelly bellies and nerds never killed anybody!
ReplyDeleteOkay, I guess I should take you shopping with me ;-) What would we buy?
First of all I am an addict of Criminal Minds and I keep justifying seeing that show saying I need to understand the human mind better. As for eating the right kind of food, Debra thank you for sharing this. It is high time I start eating the right kind of food
ReplyDeletehttp://rimlybezbaruah.blogspot.com/2011/11/i-am-rose.html
Rimly – join the club girl. I rationalize too, because, well, it IS educational. You learn how to stay a step ahead of the criminals. How can that NOT be productive? And while we’re at it, I say let’s bake a batch of brownies and enjoy! We’ll just wait and make wise choices later ;-)
ReplyDeleteDebra, I love Criminal minds, Morgan is my man :) I love chocolates too and have written a guest post on Lassiwithlavina, about chocolates being better than soulmates. Read it and see for yourself. I eat everything in moderation and try and avoid sweets on a regular basis but some days chocolates are the only things on my mind and in my hands. Loved your article, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSulekkha – Oh, Morgan is everybody’s man! But I love the whole team. That’s what makes the show: all of them working as a team, fitting the puzzle pieces together. Don’t you suppose this is what makes the program so successful? Penelope Garcia is a trip!
ReplyDeleteCan you send me a link to your article on chocolate being better than soul mates? I want to read it!
Criminal Minds, with my family I'm not sure why I love this show so much, but I do. I rarely miss it, I am pretty adamant about being here to watch. Moderation, well I practice that in mostly the wrong areas I think, ya know, no over exercising,for example. I chose a sandwich toite instead of taco bell that everyone else had, the of course had a "moderate" sized piece of chocolate cake. Thanks for this post it is a great one. <3<3<3 Jan
ReplyDeleteJan – Yeah, it can be a bit addictive ;-) That’s what I’m talking about. Let’s analyze why it’s so popular; the characters, no doubt. And some of the plots are “to die for!”
ReplyDeleteThat’s a good one Jan: no over exercising! I don’t have to worry about that at present. One piece of chocolate cake? You must be in pretty good shape.
Hi Debra, thank you so much for your words of encouragement.
ReplyDeleteLately I've been preaching this to my youngest, 'moderation'- he has a habit of eating up something he fancies until it's all finished if no one's watching.. .. then he gets sick...
It's moving into school hols here, now I've got to find away to 'moderate' their pc gaming time cos that's addictive too.
Debra: When we go grocery shopping together we will buy organic produce (especially sweet potatoes, avocados, and colorful peppers and honeycrisp apples), gluten-free pasta, almond milk, cage free eggs ... yummy!
ReplyDeleteBeing Me – It sounds like you’ve got your work cut out for you. I’d have to say I’m like your son, tempted to eat the whole thing, then saying, “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing!”
ReplyDeleteOn addictions…they can take the form of anything from electronics to food to mindless entertainment:-(
Linda – You are a true friend, one who wants me to live a long and happy life! If I could be a fly on the wall of your kitchen (or in your grocery cart) I’d learn to be better-behaved and not so apt to eat any old thing that tastes good. Some of these things I’m on my way to get today. I’m a bell pepper lover. You have inspired me. Thank you friend! Kudos!
ReplyDeleteDebra, indeed I watch Criminal Minds! My favorite character is Hotchner. I can't resist his moody, brooding looks! Yowza! :)
ReplyDeleteYou’ve described Hotchner to a tee; “his moody broody looks.” Yowza!! What is it about most of the characters that folks find so compelling? The uniqueness of each. The nerdiness of Reed, the eccentricity of Garcia… they all have their signature characteristics.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful and thoughtful write-up!!
ReplyDeleteLoved it!!
Love
Manis
mani-wheniwaslostinme.blogspot.com
Oh la la Debra - I am just digging that last line! Its fantastic and I will not think twice about giving you credit when I use it on someone next time or will I??? : )
ReplyDelete@ Mani – thanks! You keep creating too!
ReplyDelete@ Kriti - where have you been? Haven't seen you around in awhile. Have you been hiding out? Or have I? ;-)
This is an amazing post. I loved this picture. Where did you get it from? Portrait of a man made with fruits, vegetables and flowers. Looks like some riddle (figure out no. of fruits and flowers for example) Lol.
ReplyDeleteGod bless :) xx
Thanks for your visit!! I too am one that doesn't do chit chat. :-) I can, and I do TRY but as those who know me well know I always seem to go deeper....
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to more visits here!
@ Shreya - It is a strange image isn’t it? Where did I find it? The link is right underneath the image.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed day!
@ Sharon – I feel the same way; I look forward to being a BBFF! From reading your message, I can tell that indeed you do go deeper… and that’s just the kind of person I enjoy hanging out with!
Thanks for your comment on my blog -I am your latest follower. I love the way you write, it feels like talking to a friend on the sofa on a cold winter night (I must be in a romantic mood...). Anyway, the last wise decision I made was to quit my job and work from home on my own business (and it took me much too long to make such a decision). On a lighter note, I had a yogurt instead of some biscuits as a dessert tonight. I feel good. See you soon!
ReplyDeleteOk..bragging...I am hitting the workout room for half an hour every day. We are heading into winter...the season of comfort foods...I know what you mean Debra..so I respond really quick when my body starts to feel stodgy...energy drops..and yes, the couch is calling. Good point about TV..never thought about the snack factor...that is where i drink most of my water..probably 5-6 glasses before I head to bed. Thank you for the reminder on this post...we all need to remember that Moderation is not a bad word...just polished off my breakfast, 1 organic banana, yogurt and hemp seeds...You inspire me to do more!
ReplyDeleteMuriel – My old imaginary friend was French too. But you are my first REAL French girlfriend! On making the wise decision to be self-employed, I can totally relate. Can you imagine going back to work for someone else, after having experienced the bliss of being your own boss? Ugh, I never want to go there again!
ReplyDeleteYogurt, yes, a far wiser decision than biscuits ;-)
Ravenmyth – Tis the season for comfort food and holiday goodies, and for the sedentary life. What to do? Your bragging has brought me to the realization that I too should get off my bum and hit the workout room for half an hour. Oh mercy me! I’d far rather sit and write. And write some more.
ReplyDeleteFive or six glasses of water before bedtime? Do you dream of Titanic?
Organic banana, yogurt, and hemp seeds? Now I feel inspired. You and Dangerous Linda are helping me to see the light – thanks!
That's a great post... It made me think that there are things that I don't really need either. For example, less sushi which I've been eating a LOT lately (not sure why, but this year, I had sudden craving for fish stuff... never was a big fish-eater before).
ReplyDeleteMaking a wise decision... Hmm... The only thing I can think of right now was a couple of times deciding to go to a prayer meeting instead of going home and crashing. I came exhausted, but in the middle of our fellowship and prayer itself, I could feel my energy coming back. I can't explain it, because it was a night prayer meeting (that way there's more time to spend together and no pressure to pray fast so everyone gets home on time) and on Friday night, too, which is my usual crash night... But it was a wise decision.
Zee
www.zenichka.com
Blogwalking,...
ReplyDeleteZee - Oh, you’re from Ukraine! One of my favorite Christmas songs is the Ukrainian Bell Carol. I just love that tune! All my piano students want to learn it for recital, and of course I can’t assign them all the Bell Carol to play for performance. Variety is the spice of life, I tell them ;-)
ReplyDeleteOn craving fish… I read somewhere once that craving a certain food is your body’s way of telling you it needs it. Of course that’s not always the case, is it? Because sometimes I crave junk :-(
On the wise decision you made… if your spirit is renewed, then your mind is renewed, and if your mind is renewed, then your body is renewed, to the extent that you can rise up with wings as eagles.
Hehe, yeah, I am from Ukraine :) (Although some people doubt it). And I love Bell Carol too! It's one of those songs that I can listen on repeat for so long...
ReplyDeleteOn cravings - yes. I noticed that about my body a long time ago - and been using it as my "diet" - I only eat what my body desires - and how much it desires. Sometimes it's junk food, yes, but more often it's something like a yogurt or fish or a good steak. I guess after years of doing this, I know what I need so it's not like I am only eating junk... :) I actually stopped eating a lot of junk this way - I simply don't want any - friends still wonder how I can not like chocolate or ice-cream or potato chips. I simply don't want them, I don't even have to deny myself those.
Zee
www.zenichka.com
Saw this a day or so ago and thought I check in after a lot of comments are made. Pretty good metaphor for all life choices really. What do you choose? The easy most immediately gratifying, or do you moderate your habit and settle for less and put save or invest in the hope of better in the future?
ReplyDeleteIcecream delights or apples?
Jim – The food example does apply to all decisions. Life is just a series of choices, one after the other. I’m one who tends to choose the most gratifying, that’s why I wanted to brag ;-) Because I happened to make one right move. Of course the ice cream delights are better than the apples! At least they are to me.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great quote to use to sell the virtues of healthy fruit against that dreadful but so tasty chocolate, i'm just going to have to use this sometime
ReplyDeleteLarry – Exactly. But as strange as this may sound, a recent medical report is claiming that pure chocolate (not the overly processed sugary junk found everywhere) has real nutritional value. They say it doesn’t taste like the ubiquitous candy on store shelves.
ReplyDeletejust stumbled upon your blog and found it to be really PURE AND SIMPLE
ReplyDeleteSo Debra... Convicted in the frozen foods aisle were you? :-) I've certainly had more than a few of those moments myself over the years, and usually try to listen when He gives me those "nudges"... usually. lol
ReplyDeleteHave a Blessed Day my friend!
Rohit – Glad you came by and introduced yourself. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeletePhil - No, I didn’t make it to the frozen food aisle; I turned and went in the opposite direction – a true picture of repentance;-) But then… well, there’s the backsliding again: the Halloween candy and… just thankful for every new day with brand new beginnings and another chance to make right choices.
ReplyDeleteI have a possible solution for you, Debra. You can watch as much Criminal Minds as you want without commercials if you stream it online. I did away with my TV five years ago, and haven't looked back. That was a very good decision in my mind. We still watch shows - but select only our favourties to stream or download, and no commercials!
ReplyDeleteNext up... caffeine. But honestly, not so sure that one will happen anytime soon.
Kristen – Good idea. That was really a wise decision on your part to get rid of the TV. And now you just live stream online, commercial free. Sounds like a winner ;-)
ReplyDeleteGiving up caffeine? Now they’re saying it lowers blood pressure. I’d have thought the opposite, wouldn’t you? I have absolutely no desire to sacrifice my caffeine. If I had to give it up… you might as well go ahead and shoot me.
Moderation is over-rated...just kidding! I think it has to do with our focus. If we set up positive outcomes to focus on (feeling healthy or feeling upbeat for instance) then the habits we establish to get us there seem less like a sacrifice and more like a marker along the path. Love your post!
ReplyDeleteLynne – I’m taking what you said to heart. I read your comment a couple of times and let it sink in. What is sounds like you’re saying is that moderation in and of itself isn’t enough. We must exercise moderation for a reason. Am I right? Instead of viewing our disciple as a sacrifice, we should see it as a marker along the way. Absolutely! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYou make me smile. I don't know to be honest. For every good there is a not so good one. I figure if I live for harmony I stand a good chance of keeping my dark and light side equally pleased. I was never one to listen to the voices in my head ( writer voices excluded).
ReplyDeleteBrenda – I love your duel nature ;-) I love the imp side and the refined big girl, both. If only I loved both sides of me equally…how do you do that?
ReplyDeleteOh geez...I do not wish to be different, lol. But you know, 'moderation' or 'temperance', 'control of the self' reminds me of the ascetic practices we used to have in our missionary area :P...
ReplyDeleteSometimes, I tend to overdo it. And that is where my spiritual director comes in to guide me. Yes, decisions are to be made but what of it? I have to know the deeper meaning for doing such or for choosing the 'better' part.
My SD would often laugh at me and ask me to face the mirror after every decision that I make. Since the body does not lie, do I see a smiling happy face after choosing to eat the foods that I want more than need; the shows that I watch; the activities I prioritize?
From the title, we are what we eat~ perhaps, I could connect it with the Eucharist.The more I take in Jesus, the more I should be like Him (this is still a challenge for me)...
Geez, again thanks for sharing your wisdom with us. I hope to grow more in my decision making :)
Melissa – Oh yes, those ascetic practices :-(
ReplyDeleteI fasted for two weeks years ago, and haven’t fasted that long since.
Excellent point! The Eucharist does bring about transformation into the image of Christ. I hadn’t related Communion to this post, but that’s true. Thank you for the reminder! Blessings!
Probably the most challenging thing I've ever done of this nature was to stop biting my nails when I was still in junior high school. I had the worst nervous habit and my nails were practically non-existent as a result. Stopping the habit took me longer than a year, but I did do it. These days, my nails are healthy and long, well manicured and buffed to a pretty sheen. No nail polish on my hands - I dropped that habit during the years of massage therapy and never went back. I do wear color on my toes, though.
ReplyDeleteRegarding fasting, that's never appealed to me. What I have given thought to, is giving something up for Lent. I'm not Catholic, nor any other organized religion label, but I do see the logic and beauty in that practice. When we are really honest, there are myriad habits and indulgences we can give up for those 40 days. Giving up meat on Fridays wouldn't be a hardship for me, because I'm not a fan to begin with, but the concept of foregoing something for a specific spiritual reason makes sense to me. I have yet to embrace the concept, but expect that I will give it a whirl eventually. And when I do, you know I'll end up writing about it! :)
I always love the thoughts that are prompted when I visit your world, my sweet friend!
- Dawn
Debra - I can't believe that I actually fasted for four days recently and am picking fruit over desserts too...in fact my dinner consists of only fruits. I can't tell you how good this feels! ♥
ReplyDeleteI'm reading this post right after hitting the grocery store for all my ingredients for making Christmas cookies. I know I'll show no moderation with them. I'm starting to realize that I need to fast like your friend. I'm addicted to news programs, HuffPo, fast food, and so on. I don't do moderation well with these things. And I lose on time, health, brain space, etc. I wish I could learn moderation because I'm not happy denying myself either. *sigh*
ReplyDelete