Thirst: noun \ˈthərst\
1. A: a sensation of dryness in the mouth and throat associated with a desire for liquids; also: the bodily condition (as of dehydration) that induces this sensation.
B: a desire or need to drink
2. an ardent desire: craving, longing
–from merriam-webster.com
I’ve been thinking about setting goals and intentions this year. Most of my intentions revolved around being healthier. Better diet, more active lifestyle, etc. etc. Everyone has different advice of achieving these things but the most consistent advice is to drink lots of water.
Your body is comprised of mostly water and it is the thing you need most to survive. Drinking lots of water helps your systems in a myriad of ways. Many medical diagnoses start with, “Are you drinking enough water?” for a reason. Your body will let you know what it needs if you listen.
This brings me to the concept of thirst. Everyone knows thirst is bad. It has even become synonymous with jealousy in slang. It you get too thirsty, you could die. It’s a problem.
The part I want to address is the second definition. We all have desire in our hearts. If you are a Buddhist, your main goal is to eliminate this desire, but that’s a post for another day.
Most of us have wants. Wants that we feel like we need for happiness. A new job, a new home, a new lover, you know. If you crave these things long enough, you can start to become bitter and spiteful of those that have what you want. The thirst becomes real, so to speak.
Bitterness can kill you just like dehydration. It turns into nasty things like depression, anxiety, heart disease, etc.
Why would you want to live like that?
My new motto for this year is Quench your thirst.
It you’re thirsty, take a drink, damn it. If there’s something you are aching for, make a plan and go get it.
Want a new job? Educate yourself and make it yours.
Want a new home? Start saving.
New partner? If you’re single, make it happen. If not, consider your options.
Sounds easy, I know, but it’s not….
STOP!
See what I just did? I was on the fast track to excuse town.
People stand in the way of their own happiness all the time. Stop being that guy. Don’t block your blessings.
And don’t forget to stay hydrated!
