Be gentle with yourself 💚 \ stacker news ~alter

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1088 sats \ 21 comments \ @DesertDave 28 Sep alter_native

I tend to be really hard on myself. I strive for constant expansion. Lately, I have been really pushing myself to let got of things that don't serve me. Most recently, this has included smoking pot, and cutting back on processed foods, gluten, caffeine. I even took a break from stacker. I feel really good about these choices overall. But sometimes I exhaust myself with my relentless expectations of growth and I lose sight of all the work I have done to better myself.

Last night I went out to a county fair, had a couple beers, ate some really "bad" food, watched a rodeo. These are all things that I would usually consider a hindrance to my growth. Things I would judge and feel shame about. And this time I really didn't. I had an amazing time. And I remembered that life doesn't always have to be pain and expansion. Sometimes it's okay to just enjoy what all this experience has to offer. And perhaps, part of our growth is learning to love ourselves wherever we are. I am not the same man I used to be. I can indulge every once in while in a healthy way and still be on an ever-deepening spiritual path. So, forever who need to hear this, be gentle to yourself. Life can be beautiful in all its forms. Choose to see the beauty in everything. Let yourself have a good time. This is a playground. And It's okay to play. I love you all. Have a beautiful day.

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11 sats \ 7 replies \ @Satosora 28 Sep

Sometimes you need to write down your priorities and what your goals are. Having cheat meals arent going to hurt the progress to your goal in the long term.

10 sats \ 6 replies \ @DesertDave OP 28 Sep

I struggle with structure. I like to act in the moment out of passion. I have big picture goals that I am quite clear on. But sometimes get lost in the day to day.

11 sats \ 5 replies \ @Satosora 28 Sep

Writing down what you do might give you more structure.

10 sats \ 4 replies \ @DesertDave OP 28 Sep

Yeah. That makes sense. In some ways I am doing that on stacker at times. I am always a big picture guy. I do have a task list on my phone but I don't look at it much.

11 sats \ 3 replies \ @Satosora 28 Sep

You can try it for a few weeks and see if it helps your structure problem.

10 sats \ 2 replies \ @DesertDave OP 28 Sep

I guess I don't know if I see it as a problem. It's just how I have been. I might try it out though and see how it feels.

11 sats \ 1 reply \ @Satosora 28 Sep

If you can be more efficient with your day, wouldnt life improve?

10 sats \ 0 replies \ @DesertDave OP 28 Sep

Sure. I am just not sure if writing things down is my way to do that. It might be.

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11 sats \ 0 replies \ @IamSINGLE 28 Sep

Thanks! I follow the principle "love begets love" and I believe that's the way you can be be gentle with others and yourself. So, not only love other but live yourself.

11 sats \ 1 reply \ @0245bdaef2 28 Sep

Moderation in all things, including moderation

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @DesertDave OP 28 Sep

💯 if it's going to be sustainable, I have to take little steps.

11 sats \ 0 replies \ @the_optimist 28 Sep

I absolutely agree: you can find beauty in everything.

11 sats \ 1 reply \ @Myshkin 28 Sep

Love to read this! Life is truly beautiful if you take the time to appreciate small things, avoid judgement and set plausible goals. You're right, sometimes we are the most cruel judges of ourselves. You reminded me the final chapter of Crime and Punishment, the peace that comes after the struggle of the individual with himself/herself. See you around

21 sats \ 0 replies \ @DesertDave OP 28 Sep

It does seem like it's really all about the struggle with self for me. My life is beautiful. But I feel like I have turned a corner. I'm excited.

11 sats \ 1 reply \ @co574 28 Sep

Perfection is an illusion, but progress is a reality. Embrace the journey, indulge in the moment, and remember that every step, even the 'backwards' ones, are part of your unique growth story. So, let loose, love yourself, and play awhile. After all, it's not a playground without a little fun!

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @DesertDave OP 28 Sep

I agree.

11 sats \ 0 replies \ @hasherstacker 28 Sep

Certainly agree with you.

11 sats \ 2 replies \ @siggy47 28 Sep

I agree. We all walk our own path. Twelve steppers may have a problem with this approach, but to each his own.

43 sats \ 1 reply \ @DesertDave OP 28 Sep

I was raised around 12 steppers. I come from a long line of "addicts". I think it works for some but for my I struggle with the Idea that we are powerless. I have felt addicted to things at times. And I have grown past it. I think it can be a trap. But I think it is a great community for many people.

11 sats \ 0 replies \ @siggy47 28 Sep

I agree. It works for many. I have close friends who were saved by AA.

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @Msd0457890 28 Sep

I think that loving yourself is one of the arts that is difficult for many and so easy for others, knowing your mistakes and your virtues. Recognizing yourself as a perfectly imperfect human being sometimes leads you to collide with reality to know that you must fight for your dreams and maintain that image that life is so beautiful and ephemeral.