When Is Enough Not Enough?

Summary

The article contemplates the concept of "enough," questioning whether there should be limits on intangible experiences like love and healing, suggesting that striving for a balance of "enough" may not be applicable to these aspects of life.

Abstract

The author reflects on the personal struggle with the notion of "enough," oscillating between feelings of insufficiency and the fear of excess in various aspects of life. The article delves into the idea that while "enough" might be a goal for material or physical attributes, it may not be a suitable measure for love and self-healing. The author argues for an abundance of love and deep self-knowledge, challenging the reader to consider if there is such a thing as too much love or personal growth. The piece concludes with the author acknowledging the complexity of finding a balance and questioning whether the pursuit of "enough" is a worthwhile endeavor.

Opinions

The author suggests that the pursuit of "enough" can lead to a sense of lack or fear of excess, particularly in areas like body image, intelligence, wealth, and relationships.
There is a belief that love and healing should not be confined by the concept of "enough," implying that these experiences are limitless and should be abundant.
The article posits that the right amount of love or self-knowledge is subjective and perhaps best determined by the individual when they cease to question the sufficiency of their experience.
The author implies that constant questioning of "enough" can be exhausting and potentially counterproductive to personal fulfillment.
Acknowledging the influence of societal standards, the author encourages readers to reconsider these norms, especially in the context of love and personal development.

Should We Put Limits on Love or Healing?

I used to sit and wonder, Will I ever be enough?

At times in my life that question carried with it an adjective, rendering “enough” an adverb: Will I ever be thin enough? Will I ever be smart enough? Other times verbs inserted themselves — will I ever have enough? Will I ever earn enough?

At times I’ve thrown my hands up and said, “Enough with enough. I’ll just be and do what I can.” And that worked . . . it all seemed to be, well, enough. Until the question would creep in, “Is this enough?”

It’s a funny word. Especially how often it emerges as a question.

On the one hand, it implies that we’re lacking. If I’m not _____ enough or I don’t ______ enough, then there’s an insufficiency. More is needed and would be better.

But it also suggests I’m just as close to the line of too much. If I’ve eaten enough, then eating more will tip me into bloating and excess.

It’s almost as if the word “just” were always hanging out before “enough.” I’m just _____ enough. I’m just thin enough, just smart enough, or I have just enough money or just enough friends. But any more ____, and that would be too much of ______.

It’s as if “enough” — in the form of an interrogatory, “Is this enough?” — were demanding some kind of equipoise or balance that is almost impossible to achieve. Any less, and I’d tip right back into lack. Any more, and I’m bloating into excess.

But then I think about love, and wonder: Why aim for enough when it comes to love in its myriad and miraculous forms?

Should we be just loved enough?

Should we love ourselves and others just enough?

Why not be so overflowing with love that you’re nowhere near the line of enough?

Should we heal ourselves just enough?

Should we know ourselves just enough?

I suppose you can have too much of anything, but where’s the line between enough and too much when it comes to love? Maybe the right amount for each of us is the moment we ask ourselves where that line is?

I think I’ve asked enough questions for today.

Or have I?

When Is Enough Not Enough?

Should We Put Limits on Love or Healing?

Weekend Prompts #3

Creative ideas to write on during weekends.