Rung Two thoughts: A successful week down

Reader’s note: Reminder that Rung Two is “The achievement of one’s objectives requires a good plan and consistent effort.” How go any daily habits you’re working on?

It’s Saturday—Saturday night, to be exact. And I’ve had my first full week without dots in my system. That means, by my reckoning, it has been a week where I focused on Temperance (“Eat not to dulness; drink not to elevation”) and succeeded without major mishap.

Each evening, I sat down, before or after sunset, and counted my days’ success, unconcerned by tallying the other 12 virtues, and mostly wondering, “Did I eat so much I felt waterlogged? Did I drink?” I barely drink alcohol (a few beers every few months), so that was easy. But it’s easy for me to eat a lot when I’m hungry and snack when I’m bored. I know it when I eat too much. My body tells me. Pay attention. It’s there.

So, one week down.

Next week? “Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.”

I’m going to make this a little easier on myself by avoiding Google News, Reddit and anything else that’s really pointless for me to observe and comment on.

I also intend to listen. If you meet me this week, call me out: Am I being measured and thoughtful in my words?

Here’s to a new week!

As a preview, the next rung extols religion, so brave yourself for that. As I continue following the path of Franklin’s 13 virtues, a new rung will give me a chance to reflect on virtues that tie into, inform and perhaps strengthen the others.

Now, I’m tired of writing the word “virtue.”

Cheers!