Morale-boosting as a way of life
Something I’ve grown to rely on lately is the concept of “morale”. Morale is defined as “the level confidence and enthusiasm of a group or individual”. To consider your own confidence and enthusiasm as two metrics to be measured separately is a good way to stay grounded.
Originally, a thing that I like but don’t love would be described as good for morale. For instance: I like dried fruit in a cake because it boosts morale. No need to get too wordy about it. For me, dried fruit in a cake is morale-boosting, but I’d say a cheesecake is more delicious than a fruity cake, therefore it transcends morale and becomes a product of the sublime.
I apply this to my life by letting it regulate my decisions. Should I spend £3 on a morale-boosting prawn mayo sandwich, or £8 on an indulgent pastrami roll? Should I run a bath or take a shower?
I look forward to my first morning coffee as a morale booster, but I don’t start to enjoy the coffee until the second cup. When restless, I like to take a walk and start walking before I’ve decided where to do. The walk itself is the morale-booster, not always the destination. You do so anyway precisely to keep yourself from sitting still, not because you need to achieve something.
I’m finding that it’s a good way to live. What have you done today to boost YOUR morale?