This adage is an oldie, but a goody. For me, though, it’s always had an odd ring to it. I recently decided that the phrase could use to be turned on its head.
Normally the adage, “All things in moderation,” means don’t go to excess in any area of life. In this instance the definition being used is; “to lessen the intensity or extremeness of.” Wine, women, song, business, religion, clothes, etc. All are okay, as long as not used and abused to excess. Good enough, but that leaves one with the job of deciding how much is too much ahead of time. I find myself frequently poor at making those kind of self-determinations.
There’s another meaning to the word moderation though, which I think is useful. Namely; “to preside over or act as chairman of.” In this sense things in life are placed under a watchful eye. Using this as a definition I am encouraged to be mindful when partaking of any activity and watch for when I am reaching my limit. Rather than passively obeying a set end point, I stay actively engaged and in the moment. Boundaries can be allowed to shift from day to day while still finding a sane cut-off point. This also has the added benefit of turning any activity into a practice for awareness.
Be your own moderator.
