Doing the Best You Can

Do you often feel like you aren't living at that optimal level?  As though you aren't making the best choices you can in each moment?  I experience this most days and lately I'm seeing how so many people are so hard on themselves for not always making the "best" choices.  It's that conditioning  and drive to think we always need to do better or achieve more.  It's so difficult to just be content in the moment, accept who we are and where we are on our path and know that we are exactly where we should be, even when we make choices we perceive as "bad".

This evening, as I sit here at home after a full weekend of healing and amazing energy at a Holistic Expo, all I want to do is keep eating chocolate brownies to mask the slight depression I'm feeling.  At least they are gluten-free (I keep telling myself).  But I know the sugar will wreak havoc in my gut.  It always does.  And yet I still want more!  More brownies, pretty please (with cherries on top).  I know it's not the best choice and I know I'll regret it tomorrow, but I still eat the brownies.  I'm not very proud of it, but the chemical response from the chocolate and sugar sure feels good and is trying to convince me that I did make the best choice (but I know I didn't!).

I feel like I struggle with this battle often.  The battle of making the "best" choices for optimal living vs. doing the "best" I can do.  There is a difference.  The best choices may not always be the best I am capable of doing in the moment.  Perhaps I still eat the brownies because there is some deep emotional wound that has yet to surface and be worked through.  And instead of facing it, I'm finding comfort and temporary relief from the sadness through a chemical sugar high.  Or maybe I just don't have the willpower and level of mindfulness to always make those best choices.   Or perhaps it's my lack of ability to say "no", something I've struggled with throughout my life.  I'm working on these things and I know that my level of awareness is greater now than it was a year ago.  I know I'm making better choices now, for my highest good, but they aren't always the "best" choices I could make (according to my ideal vision at least).  However, I must remember that I'm always doing the best I can do in the moment.  And the fact is that will change from day to day.

I have a feeling that tomorrow I will learn my lesson (once again) that if I want my gut to be healthy and to feel optimal more of the time I shouldn't be eating chocolate brownies to feel "better" when I'm sad.  Instead, I should use the tools I have to lift me from the funk.  Next time I will take a bath, drink some Chamomile tea, burn some incense, listen to uplifting music, meditate...something that I know will help without upsetting my gut.  If I keep telling myself this and shifting my thoughts, I will eventually change the habits I have to be more supportive on all levels of health.  It takes time and effort but change does happen.

So, the next time you make a choice that isn't the "best" for your body, mind or soul, don't beat yourself up for it.  Be gentle with yourself. Remember that you are doing the best you can right here, right now, in this present moment. Learn what you can from the experiences following your choices and continue to build awareness for what does serve you best (another brownie or a cup of tea??). Over time you will notice a positive shift in your choices, habits, lifestyle and ultimately your health and happiness.

Many Blessings,
Melanie