Lessons from Shel #1325. Maybe you’re doing it wrong

 

Shel - Carrots

I continue to be impressed with the simple yet powerful way that Shel Silverstien expresses his views of the world.  In “Carrots,” he both literally and figuratively illustrates the well-intentioned self-sabotage that can destroy us.

It’s certainly something I’ve wrestled with.  I’ve exercised to the point of injury.  I’ve eaten “clean” to the point of feeling miserable deprivation.  I’ve communicated so openly that I’ve damaged relationships.  I’ve been compliant and agreeable in situations that left me feeling marginalized and ignored.

Healthy diets, exercise, open communication, and being pleasant with others are absolutely beneficial when they’re used appropriately.  The hard part comes when I have to figure out what’s actually going to be effective for me, given my current circumstances, and what’s going to be detrimental to my success.  It can be difficult to distinguish the struggle of pushing through a challenge and the pain associated with self-sabotage.  It’s not always as obvious as Shel might have us believe, but it’s a distinction that’s vital to remaining effective and healthy.

I’m going to keep asking myself…is this really moving me towards the life I want to have.  As long as I’m answering “yes” most the time, I’ll be doing fine.