Virtue is nothing without the trial of temptation, for there is no conflict without an enemy, no victory without strife.
What is the temptation that precludes you from being completely virtuous?
When we establish specific parameters under which we have full expectation of prevailing, we are required to confront the direct opposition to that virtue, in order that we might ultimately prevail in whatever prerequisite goal we have established.
Many might find such a choice as being far more arduous and problematic than others, predicated upon the virtue in comparison with the ultimate temptation.
For some, it is staying away from a particular substance, for others it is from eating unhealthy food, for others, it is maintaining fidelity in a committed relationship, and for others it is a matter of maintaining focus on the important variables in their existence.
There are many such equations, each of which necessitate the self-control of the individual above all internal voices working overtime to convince them otherwise.
Our ability to see the dichotomy between living up to the standards that we have established for ourselves versus yielding to the immediate gratification of indulging ourselves in specific temptations could not be more profound.
When we have accomplished maintaining our will over our tendency to succumb to temptation, we feel considerably more proud for our having managed all of our respective vices, in a methodical, disciplined manner.
And yet, these prospective vices carry tremendous value and power in our world, like the kryptonite that weakens Superman, these vices have the power to strip us of our self control, or morality, in favor of self gratification and indulgence.
When we are able to view these through the filter of them being purveyors of future problems, we are that much more capable of sequestering them into a category of complete abstinence, or at a minimum, a tiny indulgence on a periodic basis.
Our intense desire to overcome and achieve superiority over our own internal quandaries, could not be more beneficial, nor ultimately valuable to sculpting us into whom we most wish to become.
Our greatest adventures await us and it is only through the mastery of oneself that we are capable of leveling up and accelerating our progress towards our ultimate goals.
Happy Tuesday!
Brian Weiner 