“In the presence of greatness, pettiness disappears. In the absence of a great dream, pettiness prevails.” - Robert Fritz
Around this time of year I embark on a ritual change in diet.
Why? The answer is simple, it’s Lent.
Being raised by an Italian mother & Irish father, there was no choice but to be Catholic. And now, being married to a Mexican-American, well, you know the deal.
I was taught that during this time, one should deny oneself certain pleasures. Favorite foods, alcohol, sweets etc. This is supposed to represent a sacrifice.
The challenge I have with giving up something like chocolate is that it’s not much of a sacrifice. Now before some of the women out there start citing things like, “There’s a study that shows the benefits of chocolate for a woman…” Let it go!!! It’s chocolate and therefore not a huge sacrifice for you to forgo the indulgence for 40 days.
Moving right along, for the past few years I decided that during this time period, I would give up pasta, rice and bread. For an Italian living with a Mexican, we consume our fair share of all three.
This year, I embarked on my annual pseudo - fast on Ash Wednesday, right in the middle of a series of trips to Mexico, Chicago etc whilst staying some pretty fancy hotels with some seriously yummy restaurants. I, however, have maintained my commitment.
Several years ago during my unusual participation in this ancient rite, some friends joined me for lunch & asked why my plate seemed to be void of some of the more yummy morsels.
When I explained my reasoning, I was asked by the female contingent of this pair about what foods I was replacing the missing goodies with. She had a very broad knowledge about organic foods and assorted alternatives; meanwhile I had the “deer in the headlights” look.
After a few minutes I learned more about alternatives to what is commonly found in the grocery stores than I otherwise could have. The woman certainly knew her stuff. That’s when her husband stepped in threw me a life-line.
“Basically the benefit derived is from the act, not so much the food quality,” he said.
Right on - he stated succinctly what I hadn’t. And while what she was expressing has value, for me he was more correct in my not so humble opinion.
Here’s why.
You see the physical benefits I gain from not eating pasta, rice and bread for 40 days are obvious. Lose a bit of weight, cleanse the body a bit, clothes fit better and perhaps a bit of increase in energy.
The real benefits however are in the doing. The discipline, the commitment, the follow through and the focus just to name a few.
That’s often how it is with many things in life. We derive more benefit from the actions we take than the results we seek.
The actions you take on purpose, consistently, with focus and commitment will launch you like a rocket toward the life you seek.
Remember be, do, have.
The best is yet to come!
David Martin
505.821.0157
info@empowermax.com
