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All good things...

It's St. Paddy's day!





And though it's late in the day, and some of you have already celebrated by pounding back a few beers, don't worry. This post is about something that applies to every day. Holiday or not, special occasion or no occasion, there is one thing that is touted as essential to enjoying yourself and your life.

All good things, as they say, in moderation.

So often we get frustrated with the monotony of life. The days drag on and on, always the same thing day in and day out. Wake up, clean up, dress up, work, come home, eat dinner, take care of business, maaayyyybe do something with friends once in a while if time permits, sleep. Exciting isn't it?

Where is the time for us? When do we get to have some real fun? That's what we ask ourselves in a vain attempt to find a comforting answer. Our solution is simple, and not so surprising. On those nights we have with our friends, or those holidays we get the chance to relax, we go a bit wild. We 'let our hair down,' so to speak.

Throw moderation to the winds, and the greatest pleasures bring the greatest pains. --Democritus

How many times have you heard a woman say that after a night of 'letting her hair down' she had to hold her hair back as she hugged the toilet bowl? How many times have you heard about the man who goes a bit wild right off the side of the road, or out the window of a hotel?

Sure, falling out of a hotel window is not exactly what we might call an epidemic, but drunk driving and puking/hangovers are far from uncommon. The question I've always had is 'How do you enjoy yourself if you can barely remember what's happening?'

It's true, this is a speech, or rant or whatever you may wish to call it, that you've probably heard before. I only single out partying and alcohol because it's Saint Patrick's Day. Like Oktoberfest, it's a beer holiday. But make no mistake, lack of moderation can ruin a million other things in your life.

Only actions give life strength; only moderation gives it charm. -- Jean Paul Richter

The major weakness I have when it comes to moderation is music. The moment I hear a song I love, I find it on youtube, or I download it on iTunes, and the next thing you know, I'm playing it on repeat a billion times, and I'm listening to it every day, and loving every minute of.

That lasts a week. By that point, everything about that week has become so intimately intertwined with that song that the next time I hear it, something feels out of place. The song just doesn't belong to the here and now.

And you don't have to agree with me. But I'd offer you this challenge. Eat your favorite ice cream for every meal for a week, and see how quickly that ice cream starts to bother you.

Because it will.

I can not stress enough the importance of self-analysis and self-awareness. Knowing who you are, how you behave, and most importantly, what your strengths and weaknesses are, allows you to be in control and react more quickly when things go wrong.

With all of that said, I give you one final quote, just to prove that I'm not a complete party pooper.

Be moderate in everything, including moderation. --Horace Porter

And it's true. It would be foolish of me to say that there are not times in our lives where it's okay to go a bit overboard. But you and I both know, there are times when it should be avoided at all costs.

Sure, you may not crash and die when you get drunk. But you don't want to be the one who misjudged the distance to the guy crossing the street and couldn't stop in time. And you may not have been the person to walk out of a hotel window. But you don't want to be the one who told him where the "door" was.

It's simply a matter of judgement, my friends. You know what will impair said judgement, so take the necessary precautions, and have fun tonight. Just be smart about it. If you're already buzzed, don't let your 'friends' convince you that you haven't had enough. Those who care will be content with whatever amount of alcohol you choose to consume, even if it's nothing.

If you take the time out of your day to read what I'm writing, you matter to me, and I will do my best to make sure you stay safe, even if it means posting like a concerned parent.

With that said, have a wonderful St. Paddy's Day, enjoy your time with friends and family, and don't do anything stupid.

Later!

10 Responses so far.

  1. Evan says:

    Happy st. patricks day! Nice post my dude

  2. Anonymous says:

    Indeed, happy St. Patrick's. Hope you had some delicious corned beef!

  3. Happy Paddy's day, hope you have a good yin!

  4. Alphabeta says:

    Far too sensible.
    You should have put up some Irish drinking quotes!
    "Work is the curse of the drinking classes." - Oscar Wilde
    The greatest poem ever written: http://progressiveerupts.blogspot.com/2008/12/pint-of-plain-is-your-only-man.html

    Seriously, one shouldn't promote binge drinking, but it can be fun.
    I was very sensible myself yesterday, avoided the messy evening and went home, after a few drinks at n afternoon gig, at 9pm.

  5. Patti D. says:

    Great advice, have fun but don't take it too far.

  6. DocStout says:

    One of my favorite classic toasts: "To our wives and lovers... and may they never meet."

  7. - says:

    Happy late St. Patrick's Day! I believe an aging Irish poet once said, "I've spent most of my money on wine and women--and the rest I've wasted."

  8. Justin says:

    I love st. Patrick's Day =D, happy belated St. Patty's day everyone

  9. Drew says:

    I didn't do anything special for St. Patty's day this year other than almost forget to wear green! :(
    Anyways... Cool blog. Followed.
    Btw, I like your blog design.

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