Wie geht's?
Ryan Holiday asks two great questions in the chapter headed 'Quit Being A Slave' (Discipline Is Destiny):
- What are you hooked on?
- What do you have trouble doing without?
You may want to reflect on those two questions as I've been doing since reading them last week.
Seneca says, "Show me a man who isn't a slave". We all have something.
It's easier for me to tell the things I'm not addicted to, rather than admit the things I do have trouble doing without.
I've never smoked, never taken recreational drugs, never drunk alcohol to excess, never been a work-aholic, never been a slave to money, and never been addicted to gambling.
At one time I did have ambition as a leader and I clearly aimed for promotions, but no longer. I don't crave likes on social media and although I still like Coca-Cola, I can live without it. In the past, and especially in my youth, I was hooked on playing sport of many kinds - tennis, squash, running, badminton, softball, cricket, football, but no more. At various times I've also been hooked on certain TV programmes like Seinfeld, 24, Lost In Space...but not now. I could cheerfully do without a car and my phone.
So, what can't I do without? Walking, reading, collecting records, listening to music, and blogging. I am a slave to those activities, but I would argue - they are not bad habits. The reverse is true, actually - they are habits that keep me healthy, active, relaxed and self-reflective. Like this post.
Love and peace - Wozza