The STORY
Forewarned by Circe, Ulysses (also known as Odysseus) devised a plan that would enable he and his crew to sail onward without succumbing to the Sirens’ seductive song.
He plugged his men’s ears with beeswax to insulate their hearing, and had them bind him to the ship’s mast.
They then made a pact. “No matter how I plead,” Ulysses implored them, “do NOT set me free.”
As their boat neared the island, though he screamed, howled, and begged, the men honored their pledge, binding Ulysses ever more tightly.
The BIG Idea
Temptations are rampant.
And though you know a momentary choice might not be best for you or anyone else, it can be sooo easy to give in. To grab short-term pleasure. To dodge near-term pain. To be lured by schemes and conditions- by people and shiny objects.
Especially when no one’s watching.
The thing is, long-term and rear-view most often provide us with an entirely different perspective.
Your Opportunity
Ulysses knew he’d be tempted. And he took extreme measures to avoid his demise.
How about you?
While some temptations do emerge unexpected, if you’ve had any length of life experience, you’re fully aware of where most of yours reside.
How do you avoid being snared?
While you may not need to go so far as beeswax and physical constraints, why not make your own “Ulysses Pact?”
First- a pact with and commitment to…yourself.
And for those enticements having shown themselves stronger than your current will, make a pact with a partner- someone to help you be accountable.
Sometimes the caring help of and accountability to another is the best way to make best choices and decisions, especially in moments of…temptation.
Until next time, be well and stay safe,
Tim Autrey
Founder/CEO- PPI
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