Main Entry: as·cet·ic
Pronunciation: &-’se-tik, a-
Variant(s): also as·cet·i·cal /-ti-k&l/
Function: adjective
Etymology: Greek askEtikos, literally, laborious, from askEtEs one that exercises, hermit, from askein to work, exercise
1 : practicing strict self-denial as a measure of personal and especially spiritual discipline
2 : austere in appearance, manner, or attitude
synonym see SEVERE

I am on the verge of serious self-denial. It’s already begun in some ways, but it’s only going to get more severe.

Choices I have made are changing my life. I have more choices to make, and I don’t think what I will choose is going to make things easier.

Oh, so very much less indulgence. Less time for frivolity. Less leisure. Less ease.

I’m going to have to work for everything I want, now. Everything I achieve will be completely my own. I cannot, in good conscience, take things that may be offered to me. I will not depend on others.

I’m going to live my life in increasing honesty. With every step in this direction I can already feel more free.

It’s simple, but not at all easy.

So I will embrace a new asceticism. It means giving up habits I’ve had for years. It means adjusting to a new situation and lifestyle. It means less of the luxuries I love so much.

It’s worth it. I can take nothing for granted. But it’s worth it. It has become worth it to me.

The clock is ticking, and I’m not getting any younger.

It’s no longer enough to just seize the day. It’s time to inhabit the day in every aspect, to be entirely present, to utilize every moment, to make the most of every experience. In order to do this I will give up distractions. I will focus on what is truly important to me. Minor amusements, mindless pastimes, and useless distractions will be abandoned.

Asceticism, of a sort, and a path to my own truth, a symptom of circumstance, but my choice entirely.