Everyday Systems

I’m struggling with Reinhard’s metaphor, the one about S days being like the moment when the training wheels come off your bike.

Does this mean that you are eventually aiming to make your S days just like your N days? That the ultimate goal of No S is to do N days all the time, even in the absence of rules (‘training wheels’)? Is that a good goal? Or do we need to continue to use our S days as motivation, reward and release, even if we hope they’ll naturally tame themselves somewhat?

Would love to know how others view this metaphor.

I kinda see it the opposite of what you describe. I tend to think that the ultimate goal of NoS is to eventually get to the place where every day is an S Day, a day with no rules whatsoever. It's just that at that point in my life, I would never want snacks, sweets, nor seconds more than the amounts allowed within the framework of NoS. In other words, by my own free will I would choose no more than 10 or so treats per month without any guilt or tracking whatsoever.

But I need training wheels, so I will continue with N/S Days.

That’s a very wise way of looking at it. Thanks, Elegant.

No, your S Days are your S Days. The idea is to not make your S Days your N Days. S Days are a reward.

Thanks, Over43! I too think the reward aspect is important.

I think no training wheels means that we eventually learn moderation *most* of the time. That doesn't mean S days become N days--there are still rewards on S days. But it means we don't go all crazy and binge-eat everything we want just because it's an S day--it means, hopefully, eventually, we calm down and enjoy some treats reasonably when we want them. Balance (ironically perhaps, just what we need to learn to do when the training wheels come off!)

Thanks Merry! I’m understanding better now...had been having a mental block before...but yes, it’s got to be all about balance! And moderation of course! Hoping today will be like that. I’ve woken up with a nice feeling of freedom, but no particular cravings. So perhaps it will be a well balanced day.