Journal Entry: 

A Struggle for Balance: Embracing Extremes While Supporting Harmony

Even though I deeply value balance, as found in Daoism and holistic philosophy, I often find myself faltering in the practice of moderation. I am drawn to the allure of extremes, where passion burns brightly and effort is absolute. This isn't to say I reject balance as an ideal—on the contrary, I admire its wisdom and recognize its importance. But my nature seems to lean toward a "hardcore push," a relentless drive that sometimes undermines the harmony I seek to embody.  

In Daoism, the interplay of yin and yang teaches us that opposites coexist and complement each other. Yet, to fully embrace this principle requires a kind of patience and temperance that doesn't always come naturally to me. I see the appeal of staying grounded in the middle path, of avoiding the pitfalls of burnout or stagnation. Still, the exhilaration of diving headfirst into a passion—be it creative, intellectual, or physical—often outweighs my better judgment.  

There’s an undeniable energy in extremes, a thrill in fully committing to one side or another. It’s where breakthroughs often happen, where boundaries dissolve, and where I feel most alive. Yet, this intensity can leave me drained, searching for the equilibrium I champion but sometimes fail to practice.  

Perhaps this is a part of the journey—a dance between my ideals and my instincts. Balance, as I understand it, isn’t a static state but a fluid process, one where even a tendency toward extremes can eventually settle back into harmony. Maybe it’s about learning to honor that push, while also knowing when to step back and rest in the quiet spaces in between.  

For now, I strive to be kinder to myself and understand of others reactions to me in this contradiction. To push when I need to, but also to pause when I can. Balance may be the destination, but the road there, with its extremes and detours, is just as vital.