Who are the happiest, healthiest people you know? Is it the people with the great wealth? Is it the people in the best physical shape? Is it the smartest people? Is it those with the greatest amounts of power? If you closed your eyes and tried to envision the happiest and healthiest person you’ve known or seen, who would it be? What qualities does this person possess that makes you believe they qualify to be the happiest and healthiest person you know?
Many of us are taught to strive for excellence; to be “the best we can be” with everything we attempt in life. Why? Does this concept create a better mental environment for each of us to live a happier and healthier life? Have you ever considered the difference between “striving for excellence” and “striving for BALANCE” and achieving EXCELLENCE in the process.
There is a misbelief that striving for anything less than excellence is accepting mediocrity. This thought process creates unnecessary stress and undermines individual performance in many cases. It has the ability to be destructive by causing the mind and body to function below a threshold where good health and happiness can exist. Recognizing and undoing the damage that occurs in many of these cases can place good health and happiness on hiatus for years without second chances to relive those years. Yet today, “striving for excellence” continues to be viewed as a laudable goal in life.
As individuals, we are not encouraged to challenge society and its views on what is beneficial and what is harmful. In general, we participate in a unified cohesive manner to be part of a larger group that adds stability and security to our lives. On the surface this sounds beneficial.
In reality, how many of us view our lives as stabile and secure as a result of this belief?
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We have been so indoctrinated into believing we must follow the path that society chooses, that we have compromised our personal beliefs and values rather than deviate from the path that society directs. This is NOT suggesting that anarchy is a solution to this dilemma. It is, instead, suggesting that we step backwards and analyze our thoughts and actions and answer a very simple question:
DO MY BELIEFS AND ACTIONS MAKE SENSE, OR IS MY BEHAVIOR BASED ON SOCIETIES RULES AND BOUNDARIES THAT ATTEMPT TO MAINTAIN “THE WAY IT’S ALWAYS BEEN?”
Thinking as an individual requires courage. Many will vilify your behaviors and actions in an attempt intimidate others from following your path. On a certain level, following the masses creates an easier path because it has already been chosen for you. On the other hand you must learn to live with the consequences that society dictates you follow regardless of personal beliefs.
So, should we continue to pursue a course in life that “strives for excellence” as society identifies as an admirable method for achieving stability and security or possibly “strive for BALANCE,” which this INDIVIDUAL doctor and writer recommends to achieving a better state of mental, physical and spiritual health and happiness?
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MAYBE , THIS CONCEPT IS A MISSING PIECE OF THE PUZZLE PREVENTING MANY OF US FROM LIVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE WE’RE ENTITLED TO.
All About Healthy Choices 
Most meaningful thing I’ve read today, Jonathan. Everything is about balance, and accepting that sometimes there are no answers – you do the best you can… and that’s enough. Thank you for your wisdom 🙂
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Thank you so much Kelly. I appreciate your thoughtful comments. I also agree with your feelings. The only judge we need to listen to regarding our performance in life comes from innate energy within us. If we are true to ourselves the results will reflect our efforts.
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I must confess to be a mite jealous of people who can “Plough their own furrow” because I never really wanted to stand out. It took me many years to start to be the man I want to be and that is simply a good person. No eccentricities, no peculiarities, just a guy who likes most people and tries to help when needed. I like to look after myself instead of damaging myself and that new lifestyle has made me even better so there its something to be said for a healthy mind and a healthy body promoting you to a better place and being a better part of the community in which we live.
A smile has never hurt anyone.
🙂
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The beauty of “thinking as an individual” gives you the right to follow any path; existing, newly discovered or one yet to be created. It doesn’t mean you have to stand out and lead nor sit by passively and follow. It means traveling a path of CHOICE. You don’t need to feel jealousy, because you have already begun to “plough your own furrow.” Everything you relay to your readers on your blog site demonstrates a life pursuing BALANCE. You strive to be a good person (as you define the qualities of this person from your own heart.) You participate in charitable events to help others achieve better lives for themselves. These are just a few of YOUR examples proving your CHOICE to think as an INDIVIDUAL.
Society accepts and encourages poor choices in life. How many new fast food restaurants are being created as we (as INDIVIDUALS) try to help overcome the plight of Obesity? No, my friend, you have already come far on the road to self discovery. You, INDIVIDUALLY, have chosen to seek a “healthy mind and a healthy body.” Your example will spark new light in others that have followed traditional societal patterns for many years. People become great leaders as a result of who they are; not necessarily what they choose to become. I look forward to your continuing stories of self growth and motivation. These stories will provide inspiration to others.
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Goodness me!
I have a smile that beams from ear to ear now!
Thank you!
I should also say that what you write is designed to do the same so you too should be feeling good about all of this!!
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Proverbs 14:21New King James Version (NKJV)
21 He who despises his neighbor sins;
But he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.
Keep your attention and resources on helping others and always be willing to forgive and not hold a grudge…you will be truly successful!
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What a beautiful message to share. Thank you very much.
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I love the ending quote–a proverb to live by sure. This post was just what I needed today 🙂
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Thank you for taking your time to read my article. I try to write meaningful posts that help to impact and improve our quality of life. I have found that reader’s comments have had as much impact on fellow bloggers as anything I have written. This actually puts a smile on my face. This just reinforces how supportive this community is for one another.
Stay healthy and happy! 🙂
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I find myself happiest and most balanced when I’m not only eating healthy and exercising but also surrounding myself with positive people. That’s one of the reasons why I visit your blog regularly — you remind us to be good to ourselves, and you do this with a supportive and encouraging attitude.
Everyone loves a cheerleader 🙂 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGflUbPQfW8
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Thank you Rose. It is easier to offer encouragement when wonderful people (like yourself) are so supportive. I don’t follow a traditional approach to life which raises “red flags” and sometimes creates confrontation. It is never intended to be destructive; it is meant to express different views from a perspective that searches for better outcomes. It is not about right and wrong. It is about options that people have the right to know about and to choose from IF so desired.
I enjoyed the youtube video. Since computers can be found in Jamaica, maybe that can be a destination where my next inspiration can be found and written from. Ya mon! 🙂
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Ya mon! Haha!! Very cute.
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good post. . . . . and the quote .something we need to follow, we stop listening to our inner voice, start following the herd…
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Thank you for contributing to this post. The process to think and live an INDIVIDUAL life in a healthy manner while coexisting in society can offer the BEST of both worlds. It requires honesty, respect, courtesy and the capability to listen and truly HEAR. It provides the opportunity for greater self confidence that can be used in a positive manner to help others. It provides for greater learning and the ability to experience more out of life.
It is NOT intended to be judgmental. There are many times when “following” experience leads to personal growth. Instead, it is meant to help people identify whether the process of following is causing an INDIVIDUAL to lose their identity.
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yes, very elaborately put . . . living in harmony with the society is the bedrock on which the early civilizations were based, and modern societies developed . . . but in many cases, we tend to forget that we are individuals first, and our greatest responsibility is to bring out the best in us, which is only possible if we follow no one else, but ourselves. The others can only give us direction, but it is us who have to look inside and decide the right course . . . and as you aptly put in the end, individual should not lose his identity, which i think it is possible if we don’t lose focus on our intuition about what is right for us, rather than use external scaffolding to build our lives.. (i think i rambled on a little more than required, i hope i am lucid enough to pass the right message 🙂
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It is nice to see the passion that resides within your comment. The message was conveyed clearly and understood. Thank you for sharing your insight and beliefs. They add value to my article.
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Hopefully, as people grow older they learn about the importance of your words. One can find happiness in balance. And striving to be the best that one can be is good, but not to the point where you let this mantra rule your life. Thanks to you my goal for 2016 is a happy healthy balance.
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I hope you find all you are looking for in 2016. Each year that passes provides a wealth of opportunities waiting to be picked from the vines. Once we remove our blinders, we perceive the world in a new light. It sounds like you are following this course in life. I think you will find better health and greater happiness.
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Thanks. You are getting poetic on me with your replies. 2016 will be a great year for all of us. I really bvelieve that.
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Poetic? I clearly know my limitations! 😀 I will gladly leave the real writing to professionals like yourself. Those who have evaluated my writing (and poetry)skills have encouraged me to keep my day job! 🙂 Puts a smile on my face anyway. Let’s enjoy the remainder of 2015 as we sashay into 2016. (To avoid nausea, you don’t want to attempt to envision me sashaying!)
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LOL Need to move to NC. I can just imagine the MD appointments.
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The happiest and healthiest people I know are my grandsons. At 7 and 4 yrs old, they blaze their own trails many days. Some days are hard, as they bump into the brick wall that can be society, but they laugh and giggle, hop, jump, and grasp hold of joy more than anyone I know. Maybe the secret to youth and balance really is being young at heart. Those boys seem to be pretty joyful most of the time, and a true joy to me! No doubt about it, they are the happiest and healthiest people I have ever known. I need to be more like them! 🙂
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I can’t think of a person on this planet I can’t learn something new from. This would include 7 and 4 yr. old children. They are truly amazing. Their brains are nourished by stimulation. They become sponges and soak up experience to gain knowledge. This is a behavior we seem to abandon as adults and replace it with stress and unhealthy addictions. Sometimes we simply need to step backwards and look at our lives with objective eyes to see where we’re headed. The happiest people follow up by IMPLEMENTING plans of action to create a new course in life.
Thank you for passing on your observations regarding your grandchildren. Maybe they can inspire others to re-evaluate the course in life they currently follow.
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another great post….thank you…kat
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Thank you Kat. Always appreciated.
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Thank you for your insight.
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Thank you for taking your time to read my post. Always interested in hearing other people’s perspectives on the topics I write about. I learn as much from your comments as I teach those who read my articles. I look forward to seeing you in the future.
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Buddha, so very wise! Having balance would be much easier without allowing other opinions or actions to interfere. It starts in grade school when you think you should be allowed to play on the playground with everyone else. It’s when you are picked last for everything that starts the unbalanced feeling. People can oftentimes tilt that balanced scale the wrong way. The scenarios go on and on. I can control the balance in my health as much as my own body will allow. I can seek comfort in walks with my dogs or chats with good friends/family and the balance scale comes back somewhat. But it’s where people come into the mix and they for whatever reason (even family) didn’t learn or don’t care about the words they choose to say or the things they choose to do, can have a huge impact on an individual. Seeking balance is easy. I know what I need to do, but keeping the balance can sometimes be challenging. Though I suppose that is what life is all about. The ups and downs and learning to keep that scale just right. Another great article! Thank you.
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I know you can create balance. Sometimes those around us don’t realize the pain inflicted by their words. They probably see you as a strong confident person which mitigates their attempt at any level of diplomacy. If they are people worth caring about, it might be worth sitting down and explaining how their words cause pain. People of character would never continue a malicious approach if they were truly aware. This can sometimes help sort out our real friends. Family can be a bit more challenging.
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Family is very challenging. I often wonder why is that? Strangers and even friends, we can talk and find a good understanding. There also seems to be a little more compassion, however, with family it’s often heated and no one listens (really listens). It seems to be their own hurt they are seeing and yet often times it blinds them to what the other is feeling. Often times I set aside my happiness to allow someone to have theirs. In a way, I am happy. I am happy to give happiness. But I am seeing now that that may not be the best way to keep the scale balanced. Every second, hour, day is a new time to change and make the balance make sense. The balance is about healthy choices, whether it be what you are consuming, seeing, doing, or saying. The choice is ours to do the right thing. Now the million dollar question is: Are we willing to do the right thing? 🙂 Peace be with you!
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I hear you and agree with you. It sounds like you have given this a good deal of thought. I hope you find peace with your solutions.
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Very well said! The more you become comfortable with who you are and believe in your value, the less concerned you become with what others think. i must admit I still struggle with this at times but am away better than how I used to be and improving all the time.
My favorite motto comes to mind, “lead, follow or get out of the way!”
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I have fond feelings for the word “improving.” It shows room for growth while acknowledging growth has already occurred. It provides motivation and helps strengthen our character. After reading many of your posts, your convictions and character appear quite confident. You principles seem to be based on the highest of moral and ethical standards and values.
BTW- I love your motto, but would have to add one word to create a subtle, yet diplomatic tone to match my personality. It would read, “lead, follow or KINDLY get out of the way. 😀
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