Cheat Meal Anyone?

So, I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 8:15 (NIV)

If you aren’t familiar with the concept of a “cheat meal” in the fitness world, it is the meal that that you have been avoiding all week.  My cheat meal is Saturday night dinner.  I can have whatever I want to eat for the meal and desert….no limits.  I have learnt that limitless deprivation does not work.  If I deprive myself without something to look forward to then once my cravings hit, I will be powerless to control them.  If, however, I know that I can delay gratification of my cravings until Saturday night, then there is something to look forward to.  I can’t go overboard though.  For some people, they are able to eat whatever they want for an entire day and stop.  I know myself and I can’t do that.  I need a smaller window that allows for satisfaction and then something to look forward to the next week.  This has become a fun ritual for my family.  Our Friday question to each other is usually “oooh,  what are we going to eat tomorrow night?”.

The same applies to life.  We weren’t made to live without enjoying the full range of all that God has blessed this world with.  For some, moderation is a gift.  For the rest of us, we need to develop habits that allow for the occasional journey away from the strait-laced plans.  Yes, life is difficult.  But set time aside to celebrate.  Involve loved ones and friends as you celebrate milestones or other goal-oriented achievements.  You aren’t just inabilities and failures.  There are some really wonderful things about you.  Get help to identify those things and celebrate them….but don’t get stuck in the celebration.  Entitlement is the pitfall of getting stuck in celebration.

Life is about growth.  Celebrate the milestones, but don’t stop growing….


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