Is discipline a dirty word?

Some people cringe at the thought that they need to discipline themselves yet we have no problem in telling others that they need to discipline themselves if they want to achieve their end result.  I know that in some aspects of my life I am highly disciplined and yet in others, I can’t seem to get it together because I give into my weaknesses.  For example, I want to lose 20 pounds—the number keeps going up and if I am not careful, I will exceed the weight that suits my clothing size and life.  I have a problem because I love to eat and I always look forward to enjoying three solid meals a day but as I am getting older (and let’s face it, we all get older) I have discovered that my body doesn’t need the volumes of food that I feed it.  Wow!  I have a dilemma and I know it yet!  If I can discipline myself and overcome my bad habits I will be able to make some positive changes that will benefit me in numerous ways.  So how am I to begin?

First of all, I need to look at all the benefits that I am seeking to achieve; such as, better self image, healthier body and mind because when I look at myself in the mirror, I don’t like what I see yet I am always making excuses.

Second,  How will I feel when I am 20 pounds lighter?  Oh yes—when I am 20 pounds lighter, I will feel empowered, svelte and graceful as I move around.  Just that thought brings a smile to my face because I know that I will be more physically attractive too and who doesn’t want to be noticed and admired?

Third When my physical body is in alignment with my mental outlook and spirit, I know I will be able to manifest all that I desire because then and only then will I be in balance and harmony with the Universal Flow of Energy.  That one point in itself should be sufficient to get me to reach my goal.

Fourth for me, I have found in the past that when I am able to shift my habits away from excessive food intake and thoughts,  I soon discover that  after the third day, my taste buds have changed, my mental outlook improves and I feel that I am on my way towards shrinking my stomach and falling into a routine that works for me.  My cravings stop as my focus starts to be surrounded around healthier eating habits, a more rewarding work-out routine which will finally result in a drop in weight.

I used as an example learning how to lose weight by changing my attitude, behavior and the environment in which I live.  You can do the same in any area of your life where you need better discipline.  Let’s face it—generally speaking we are happier and more content with our lives when we maintain a healthy mind and body.  Sometimes it requires discipline to force yourself to shut off the television at night because it is late and you know you need your sleep.  It takes discipline to look at life with a little levity in your voice and thoughts or make an attempt to look on the brighter side of things and stop complaining all the time.  Maybe you need a time-out for you.  Make time each day to sit in silence and commune with your God.  Feel the nothingness of space and enjoy this quiet time where there is nothing to do and no place to be—just simply cherish this relaxing and peaceful moment.  If you allow this discipline into your daily routine, you will feel better and more fulfilled.  Drink a lot of water during the day—not soda or juices.  Our bodies need to be replenished with fresh water in order to purify all the various systems that make us up and if you are slow to smile or laugh, discipline yourself to make sure you develop this habit.  It has been scientifically proven that laughter and the feelings that we experience when we laugh improve our quality of life. 

When you willingly learn how to discipline your mind, body and spirit in a healthy manner you will significantly transform your life in numerous ways.  Whether you realize it or not, you are always forming habits that shape your life, that is why I suggest that you take a hard look at the habits that you have cultivated over time and see if they are working for you or not.  If the answer is “No” then take a harder look at the steps that I just discussed and see if maybe you need to discipline yourself so that you can live the life that will bring you great joy and attention.

Joan Marie Ambrose

Author, Creative Writer, Motivational Speaker