Most of my best words are pinched or inspired by someone else. The phrase “Self discipline for the good of everyone else” is an excellent example. I have shamelessly filched it from another source.
Its tempting to think that self discipline is a new thing that was just popped in yesterday, but actually self discipline has been around ever since Adam and Eve were tempted to eat that yummy, succulent fruit.
But we are particularly aware of the need for self discipline at this time and in this place. The stakes are so much higher now. In fact, quality of life and life itself, are the highest possible currency.
Self discipline requires something of us. There is a cost to be paid and we make this payment for someone else, not for ourselves. It is an outward looking gesture and the focus is on someone other than little ol me.
It’s good news, not just for the feel good factor. Not just because we might feel smug. It is great news because we realise that it isn’t always about me; my wants, my needs, my rights. It shouldn’t always have to be about me.
And its not just about the self discipline, sanitiser, face masks, testing and 1.5 metres. The other 50% of the question is what is going to be best for the most vulnerable and the voiceless. And what is going to be most helpful for those who relentlessly, sacrificially tend them.
I come back to the Master pinned to cross, who in the ultimate act of self discipline, exclaims silently but unequivocally, it’s about the other. The I crossed out. So in this time of tumult we set the bar just a smidge higher, take a deep breath, … run like hec and jump. “Self discipline for the good others”. What a great turn of phrase. I wish I had thought of it.
Most of my best words are pinched or inspired by someone else. The phrase “Self discipline for the good of everyone else” is an excellent example. I have shamelessly filched it from another source.
Its tempting to think that self discipline is a new thing that was just popped in yesterday, but actually self discipline has been around ever since Adam and Eve were tempted to eat that yummy, succulent fruit.
But we are particularly aware of the need for self discipline at this time and in this place. The stakes are so much higher now. In fact, quality of life and life itself, are the highest possible currency.
Self discipline requires something of us. There is a cost to be paid and we make this payment for someone else, not for ourselves. It is an outward looking gesture and the focus is on someone other than little ol me.
It’s good news, not just for the feel good factor. Not just because we might feel smug. It is great news because we realise that it isn’t always about me; my wants, my needs, my rights. It shouldn’t always have to be about me.
And its not just about the self discipline, sanitiser, face masks, testing and 1.5 metres. The other 50% of the question is what is going to be best for the most vulnerable and the voiceless. And what is going to be most helpful for those who relentlessly, sacrificially tend them.
I come back to the Master pinned to cross, who in the ultimate act of self discipline, exclaims silently but unequivocally, it’s about the other. The I crossed out. So in this time of tumult we set the bar just a smidge higher, take a deep breath, … run like hec and jump. “Self discipline for the good others”. What a great turn of phrase. I wish I had thought of it.