lifestyle artistry
by Donald B. Ardell, Ph. D."When one buys some of my artwork I hope it is because they will wish to learn from it and not because they think it will match their drapes!"
-- Christian Cardell Corbet
Living day after day in a manner consistent with wellness principles is not easy. If it were, everyone would be fit, well nourished, stress free, and otherwise creatively engaged and enjoying life to the fullest. But, this Utopian thought is scarcely imaginable, let alone even remotely feasible, for more reasons than there is space here to describe. Most people will settle for survival, getting by, and mediocrity. Few seek to overcome the odds against excellence. Some dabble at wellness, perhaps to match the drapes (impress others).
I believe you are an artist if you can overcome the multiple obstacles to self-management. To do so is truly something special. How do some people manage such a thing? As Yul Brunner, playing the King of Siam so famously noted to Deborah Kerr in the role of his American tutor, "Is a wonderment!" (The King And I)
If you do it, if you succeed at self-management more often than not, do you think this means you are probably smarter than other people? Maybe, but I would not go with that as the most likely factor in your success. Here is another possible explanation -- maybe it's because you are more virtuous than the rest, that is, blessed with higher morality than the vast majority who fail to make such wise choices in support of their health. What do you think of that idea? I don't buy it. Nope--don't think this is the case, either.
Well, what then? What accounts for the fact that some folks do so much better at sustaining good intentions to develop their talents? What explains the success of those who manage to grow and prosper, to exercise vigorously and enjoy it, eat wisely, manage stress, find exciting work that displays their talents, enjoy the quest for meaning, and otherwise make a difference and prosper physically and psychologically? Don't you just hate these people! Just kidding -- why hate them? Wouldn't it be more functional to simply do what they have done? What do you think?
I'll give you my theory on this matter tomorrow. Meanwhile, if you have any ideas along these lines, please -- don't be bashful. Send them along. I might quote you tomorrow, or (with your permission) add your comments (and my response) to the Visitor email section for others to enjoy.
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