too much of a good thing can be wonderful

I saw a sign in a local pottery that I contemplated buying - for a friend tho maybe actually I should have bought it for myself. I've noticed that the people closest to me at the moment have something to teach me about doing more of what you want, of not constantly holding back. Tho sometimes I wonder if it's me who can share with them the benefits of restraint? Right now my son is having the time of his life laughing at whatever he's watching - I think it would have been much more sensible for him to have had more sleep so he's not grumpy later. Right now I think he's made a good choice. Later I might not ;-)
I would never in a million years run 45 miles a few days after chemo, yet look at how much joy that brought to Ben. I've never got drunk, the thought of an excess of alcohol, of not being with it, has no appeal whatsoever. Ironically, the reason I didn't buy the sign was that the consequences were too risky. But is the fear of consequences stopping me from living wholeheartedly? Is it good that I listen to the small stubborn voice that goes 'you shouldn't do that' or do I need to be learning to throw caution to the wind? I'm a bit envious of those who are able to delight in the Joy the moment brings. Whilst there are advantages to 'big picture thinking' am I denying myself because of constantly weighing up the impact my actions may have? And I know that my refusal to participate can marr the enjoyment of others who have less reservations about throwing themselves in.
So many choices! What I do know is if I was talking to a friend I'd remind them that it's ok for them to be themselves, that they don't have to change to fit in with others, that people will love them just the way they are. But that they of course can always try out different ways of being if they want :-)