Daily Recommended Allowance

Manufacturers that package foods in the United States are required by the Food & Drug Administration to label most packages with a recommended dietary allowance that will meet the nutritional needs of about 50% of the American population.  These labels list the percentage of each recommended nutrient in a serving of that product for adults and children over four years old, based on a recommended daily intake of 2000 calories.  Of course, very few of us limit ourselves to eating only 2000 calories a day.  However, the labels give us guidelines for monitoring and maintaining our nutritional health. 

Perhaps we also need recommended daily values for our mental, emotional, and spiritual health which often suffer from malnutrition resulting in physical illness, social chaos, and even death.  I would like to suggest a label that may serve as a model for our daily intake and outgo.  Percentages are only listed in highs or lows and should be based on individual temperaments and tendencies.  These percentages should also be based on the individual’s understanding of the Manufacturer’s requirements.

Gratefulness	Very High	Because we have more than we earned or deserve
Humility	Very High	It allows room for others & room for growth
Pride	High	In a job well done
	Low	In self-promotion
Arrogance	0%	It leads to ugliness
Mercy and Grace	Very High	We all need them
Self-evaluation	Very High	But not judgmental
Evaluation of others	Low	only after self-evaluation
Forgiveness	Very High	Because we all need it
Anger	Low	Because it can destroy
Love	Very High	Give and receive
Calmness	Very High	It gives us time to think
Fear	Low	It causes selfishness
Judgement	Moderate	Use only after all the above
Understanding	Very High	It comes after all the above
Wisdom	Very High	It secures all the above

 

If we eat the good and leave the bad, and increase the highs and reduce the lows, I believe we will find this daily regimen to the discipline needed for great success.