I Like my Vices

Of course we do. We’re all just out there, doing our own thing, trying to make a go of it in life. Trying to find happiness and satisfaction along our journey. Yet, trying to find those two things is freakin’ stressful. I mean, really! And then once you find them, trying to hold on and maintain them is even more stressful. But, we manage, don’t we?  

We all have different ways of handling stress. Some eat, some starve, some blog . . . Well, you know me, I like blogging. But I also have other vices, of which I will not name. And goshdarnit . . . I like my vices! Don’t worry, they are all legal – mostly in liquid form. But seriously, how do people without vices manage? I’m sorry, but I just can’t imagine. Now don’t get all spiritual on me, I don’t want to take this conversation in that direction. God is first and foremost in my life so no need to go there. (Spiritual stress is a whole different topic.) I’m talking about physical stress. The tension, the headaches, the nerves, etc., etc., You know. . . the everyday stuff. And, in my case, add a 5 and 9 year old. 

Then there is the stress of trying to live right. Trying to keep my feet firmly planted on the White Road is proving to be quite challenging. I’m not saying it’s impossible. It’s just that, at times, it is hard to stay on. Whether it be because of particular vices, or hatred, anger, greed . . . it doesn’t matter what the cause – we all fall off from time-to-time because we are human. Have I fallen off? I’m not quite sure I ever had both feet on the Road at the same time for long stretches. There are just so many rules. So, I mind the rules best I can. That’s where the vices come in – for me, for you, for most everyone. Whatever your vice, be it Doritos, chocolate, soda, beer, wine, tobacco, painkillers . . . enjoy your vice(s) and don’t let anyone make you feel guilty about them. Vices are the means of getting away with doing something naughty without breaking (m)any rules. Actually, the only rules you might be breaking are the rules you make for yourself, which is why it is a “vice” as opposed to a bad habit. (Okay, well…a vice can be a bad habit, but not all bad habits are vices.) Vices are good and even necessary to help us maintain a little balance in our lives. So go out there, enjoy your vice and have a fabulous day. Just don’t let your vice turn into an addiction.

(And for those of you who manage stress naturally, like via yoga, SHUT UP I don’t want to hear from you.)