Temperance

Temperance?

I know, I know, it's not a very popular word these days. Let me give you a definition in case you're wondering what exactly the word means...

...According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, to be temperate means to have restraint. It is "habitual moderation in the indulgence of the appetites or passions." It is also "moderation in or abstinence from the use of alcoholic beverages."

I'd take that definition a step further by saying that true temperance is the total abstinence from any substance that is harmful (e.g., alcohol, cigarettes, recreational drugs, etc.).

It is also the practice of using what is good for you in moderation.

Why complete abstinence from harmful things rather than moderation?

Things like alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and other similar things are unhealthy.

They break down your body (leading to sickness and disease) and cloud your mind. They lessen your physical, mental, and moral power, and drain your wallet of your hard earned dollars.

When you take these substances, you end up losing control over your own decision making process. Sad, but true. You become a slave to whatever controls you.

If you want to be healthy, give up these things for good. It may seem like a huge sacrifice now, but the health and freedom you'll get in return will be more than worth it.

Temperance doesn't just apply to alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. It is possible to be intemperate in other areas as well. If it disrupts your digestion, overstimulates your brain, or weakens your body in any way, you should avoid it.

Click here to read about some unhealthy foods.

If you have too much of a good thing you will harm yourself. For example, if you stuff yourself with food until you feel like you're going to burst, you will clog your system. The fact that you stuffed yourself with 100% organic food won't change things.

Too much is too much. Your body can only handle so much before it gets out of balance. The same goes for everything else that is good for you.

Anything that is carried to excess, even if it is something good, is intemperance.

If you want to have a healthy body and a healthy mind, you must be temperate in all things.

Want to learn how to be more temperate? Check out the rules for healthy living.

They will show you how to be more balanced in every area of your life.