Daily Dose

Daily Dose: (Audio)

Have you ever thought about how often you overdo something?

Too much sun and you feel the effects of your skin baking like cookies in an oven! Putting on suntan lotion infrequently? The same thing happens and you thought you were ready for the oven!

You can choose the correct amount, or not, of whatever it is you need for the day. That’s why most vitamins are called “daily” – someone has determined an average amount of what a typical human body needs, on any given day, and you are to limit yourself to the dose they recommend.

Equally, every medicine you take has a recommended dosage. After some major dental surgery earlier this year, and while still under the effects of anesthesia, I was confused on how many pills I had taken, and when I had taken them. Fortunately, my bride was there to keep me under control of the doctor’s orders.

Okay.
I did not just think about Mary Poppins!
“Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down…in the most delightful way!”

Have you ever looked at the number of servings and calorie count on that oversized package you just bought? Some suggest the package is equal to 3-5 servings, and we consume the entire package in one sitting. When we are distracted the entire package is easily consumed…not in the moderation we know the be the better way of consuming!

Maybe it’s like gas mileage on your vehicle. Rev it up, go fast, brake quickly, rabbit starts – your gas mileage goes down. Drive smooth, recommended speed, and keep all the other sudden fits under control, then the gas mileage goes up.

Do what you want, but you will get results of what effort you put into just about anything.

I’ve determined there are many things we should not live without on a daily basis. Most of these things we ignore and blame our crazy schedule or the crazy week we just had for the excesses or lack of followthrough. Again, do what you want and your results will be indicative of your focus. For the good or bad.

You can make your own list, but I’ve grown my list to fit the life I choose to live. Your dosage recommendations should fit what your life requires.

1. Input positive words, phrases, readings and people in your life. What’s the option? Negative words, phrases, readings and people? Which way do you choose to live?
2. Morning dose of spiritual time. It’s not only the morning that it’s needed the most, but starting off my day with spiritual influence directs my entire day. Morning prayer, bible reading, and something positive from someone who knows the value of positive writing.
3. Daily Exercise. The older I get the more I see the results of no exercise. So, my day is changing to include this piece of the puzzle. It’s by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done! (Words of John Denver)
4. Family Time. Yes. It’s just my bride and me at home and has been for a number of years, but I believe a daily contact with some family member will keep you centered. That’s why I like to carve out time with my bride. “Us” time. Even, an email, text or call to some distant family member is not out of my purview.
5. Daily moderation. I work hard on keeping those things I’m sure are addictive (chocolate, coffee, etc.) under control. I seldom drink soda’s, maybe one per week. All those other potential addictive things are never a part of my world, alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs.
6. Sleep. I’m a 6-7 hour type of sleeper. Too much and the day is ruined. Too little and I’m droopy all day long and the day is equally ruined! Just right. Just like Goldilocks!
7. Distractions… This is a tough one. We are unique individuals and what we are distracted by is strangely different one person from the next. Some get distracted by a slug moving down the sidewalk, and others watch kitten videos for hours.  Distractions may be a good way to break up your day, but when they take over your day. Well. What’s your time worth?

One more thought on distractions. They incrementally destroy all the daily dosage you require for good living. If every item above can face distractions creating a loss, then every item above can win if you keep your focus on the prize. It was the Apostle Paul who said:

I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14 NKJV)

Make your daily dosage something you focus on achieving, and keep the distractions under control. Life will be better, as long as those things you strive to achieve are the things used for positive living!