the Middle Way is a phrase that refers to the practice
of charting a course for oneself that avoids extremes

the assumption is that any path involving extremes
of thought or action is: unwise, misses the mark and
will likely end in regret

there are times, such as the start of a new year,
when we tend to examine our situation and our-
selves -

and when we do, what is worth assessing?

many would argue that it is important to take a
look at the goals we set for ourselves and how
we pursue them

are we so focused on the pursuit of goals, so much
occupied with doing and getting that we overlook
and perhaps lose what we have and who we are?

or are we so content with our situation that we do
not set and pursue goals, and therefore fail to grow?

or do we avoid both these extremes, and find a
middle way in which we set goals that are impor-
tant, yet achievable -

and as we pursue them, we remember and preserve
those things of value that we have and are?