The night I graduated from high school – I gave a little speech. No, not that speech, this was just for my family and friends that had come over to our house to celebrate with some fantastical Italian food. I don’t recall every word – but part of it just jumped into my mind today…
This is what I remember:
“So, I was brushing my teeth yesterday – and it occurred to me that only a little toothpaste is necessary, really it’s all you need. And I realized that this is a metaphor for life. If you put too much on the brush, the extra just falls off into the sink anyway – and it sticks there, an unsightly mess.
On the other hand, if you squeeze out too little – there’s basically no satisfaction and you can’t get the job done.
It’s all about finding just the right amount. And this applies to toilet paper, too.”
Hmmm, even back then, my mind was thinking in blog posts.
Amazingly, I get it. I know exactly what I meant – and now that I’m older and wiser (cough, cough), I can apply this rule of moderation, balance, ‘just enough’ beyond that teenage concept of ‘life’ and into relationships, business, marketing, writing, social media, everything.
Too many words and you’ve lost the reader’s attention, too few and you haven’t conveyed your message – to name one.
If only I’d kept a journal or blogs had been invented in 1991, we’d be privy to more 17 year old ‘deep thoughts’. For now, it’s just flashbacks and 18 years of carefully measured toothpaste squeezes.
Where else does this concept apply for you? Or does it? There must be some of you out there that actually prefer to gob the toothpaste on…let’s hear it.
Image by jhoc
Well, I guess the same applies to Shampoo. (Where the HELL did they get that word from, anyway?) My father always lamented how my brother used a handful of shampoo, rather than the lather-rinse-repeat with a smaller amount. Funny, my brother has always one to do everything in excess…
I totally get the toothpaste and toilet paper!
Thanks, Amie – I knew I could count on you….
Jason – that’s classic. You can nail down personality types by watching how people use the toothpaste and shampoo – what a fascinating study that would be. Sounds like something David Sedaris would have a blast with – particularly the toilet paper usage, eh?
I think you are right. This does apply to everything, even chocolate and wine. Heck, probably sex, too. Shower for just the right amount of time and you feel warm and refreshed. Too long and your skin is all dried out and sometimes you end up with cold water at the end. Too short and you still stink and have mud on your legs.
It applies to social media (esp Twitter and FB). There is a just right for everything. Maybe you should write the Toothpaste Diet?
Alisa – that is too good. My next ebook??? I think so. Want to write the intro?
Just walked in from a Day at work not Shampooing or Brushing….. Maybe I should. I do use alot of toilet Paper. Think I’ll have a drink.
My mother always said “everything in moderation”. I think she meant the same thing! Great post!
This is awesome, Julie! I must say, though, when I saw the title of this post in my inbox, I was thinking I’d find quite a different post! ;-)
*smiles*
Michele
Just enough or too much? Moderation or gluttony? Rationally, I know that moderation is the smart choice, but I’ve never mastered that.