On ENOUGH
Often, we don’t know when to stop ---we want to make the dinner party perfect; we grab a snack in the checkout line at the grocery store even though we may still be full from our last meal; we continue to give energy and time to people or events that do not inspire us; we have become obsessed with social X-pressions from influencers for popularity rather than applying critical thinking to subjects that can probe us into deeper thinking or a conscious response.
Why can’t we resist becoming a perfectionist? . . . feel the need for one more morsel or buy one more item at the store?
When will we learn to refrain from spending time with people and events that really don't align with our values? . . . to stop sharing those re-thoughts from other social posts by recognizing we can think for ourselves, share, and make a real difference?
The ability to acknowledge when it is “enough” is a way to step away from it before it becomes “too much.” The attitude or feeling we "need more” generally states just that, therefore maybe what we need is to recognize when we have had enough and simply apply self-control.
My Story
When I wrote On LIFE Book and Journal I was nearing retirement. As a physician, I have been the doctor who has devoted a lifetime to my profession and my private practice, therefore, you might understand why finalizing my career and leadership at Vessel Health (VH) has been a daunting task for me.
Here are my outer and inner thoughts:
1) Outside of myself - I am proud to be in an industry that offers great value to others, but the thought of my patients having to find another doctor who approaches cardiology the way I do, and the agonizing reality that my amazing crew would ever find another health center that supports whole heart health, just doesn't seem real to me yet.
2) Inside of myself - I recognize by retiring the decision becomes personal, and I might lose a significant component of my own self-worth.
It is obvious the word "retire" certainly gives me a weightless feeling I might relieve myself of a significant amount of stress.
Our government does seem to suggest retirement has an age range for the majority that averages between 64-66 years old. Here I go again, as I continue to live outside the box since that time has come and gone for me.
In my case, I guess I just haven't had enough yet.
My energy and passion has been built upon my strong vision for an effective healthcare system that serves the whole patient. This has a direct correlation to the CREW I have attracted and my loyal patients. When I can confidently think of a way to off ramp that works for everyone, trust me I will gladly say "enough."
“Recognize we are more than enough, then let that understanding and feeling drive you to acknowledge 'enough is enough.'”
REFLECTIONS:
Observation 1.?In a?situation you describe, were you successful in exhibiting self-control? What were the impediments that went through your mind?
Observation 2.?If unsuccessful,?how might you approach the situation differently?
Observation 3.?If successful,?how did the?exercise of self-mastery make you?feel?
AFFIRMATIONS
Commitment 1. When full and offered a dessert in a restaurant, I will consider . . .
Commitment 2. When making an important life choice, I will manage my urge to be impatient and compose myself by . . .
Commitment 3. When people prove they take up too much of my time or become toxic to my well-being, I will say enough by . . .
On ENOUGH: Tap into your self-mastery and confidently act when it is time to say “enough.”
On LIFE Book and Journal offers an opportunity to personally grow. Begin writing your own book in your On LIFE Journal today!
In Good Health,
Harvey J. White MD