virgin islands scene

I quote others only in order the better to express myself.
-- Michel de Montaigne
 

 

Monday, September 29, 1997

Tension

A life free of tension has little meaning. Tension is caused when there’s a difference between what you are, and what you could be. Without tension, there is no possibility. Without tension, there is nothing higher to aim for.

Yes, it’s usually easy to relieve tension -- by taking the easy way out, by abandoning our dreams, by giving up, by quitting, by shirking responsibility. Though such behavior may temporarily get rid of tension, it will eventually return as the excruciating pain of regret.

Once we accept that tension is a part of life, it loses a bit of its grip. We make tension worse by opposing it and fearing it, when actually it is a healthy condition to have a certain amount of tension. Just because you have tension, doesn’t mean it has to get to you.

To live with a purpose, to aim toward a goal, will bring you tension. Your tension means that you know things could be better, and it constantly drives you toward improvement. Appreciate it, live with it, and let it move you forward.

— Ralph Marston

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Copyright ©1997 Ralph S. Marston, Jr. All Rights Reserved. The Daily Motivator is provided for your personal, non-commercial use only. Other than personal sharing, please do not re-distribute without permission.