My father often asks people around him, “What is your skill?”. One immediate response might be to ask back, “Do you mean what do I do?”. This question is one that we don’t often consider. To hone in on a personal cornerstone skill that has relevance to others can be like applying sunscreen to your upper middle back…
As a Kinesiology major for three years, I came across the word homeostasis quite often. This word referred to the biological state of internal regulation of a system. I have taken this term and have applied it in areas of my life. I have cultivated both an internal and external regulation so that I can pursue excellence and consistency as well as peace in my endeavors.
A year ago, I learned about a principle of Aristotle called the Golden Mean. This principle speaks to moderation of extremes and seeking out balance in situations. While he argues it is difficult to perfect, there is value in pursuing this principle. I have taken on this challenge to pursue balance in my mental health, physical fitness, spirituality, and temperament. I have seen a lot of reward as a result of this challenge. For example, by regulating emotional extremes, I can better present a consistent temperament to others that provides stability and reliance. I value this.
In the bible, there is a passage that challenges early Christians to live a certain life. The passage reads, “And to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody” 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12. I deeply admire and adopt this challenge into my life so that I can live a life according to God’s word.
This is my skill; balance. It takes form through a clear conscious, an even temper, managing my time well, a consistent hard worker, and a son of God. I am still learning how to maintain this and I desire to grow more into it. This desire is natural, it is a part of me. Balance is where I operate, it is what I am good at. (P.S. I love to balance a beer on my head, see photo below).
