“But it's not that bad.” This statement is the recipe for many disasters in people's lives. The “tone down” effect added to it makes it worse. It's clear and undeniable even to the perpetrator that such a thing isn't really acceptable nor a welcome habit. But here's the problem, the desire to engage in it makes it hard to accept the reality. So, a reality is created; subtle and less harmful, from the utterance of such a statement and the attitude that follows. Nevertheless, the consequences remain.
If a person is really unaware of the effects and consequences, then that's something. But when the intention is to water down the consequences, then there's a problem. The things we ignore and take for granted in life can be the ones that harm us the most. Such could be the root cause of many issues. The other concern about this matter is when a comparison game is played, all in a bid to justify doing such things. I mean, it's not like taking drugs, hard substances, smoking, or the like, right?
I look within me and I realise that I've been guilty in this matter. I realised it's bad, but didn't stop. My parents would warn against taking too much sugar, though this was usually about sugar in its raw form. Did I listen? No. There was no effect showing, and it wasn't like I was drinking or smoking. So, why should it be a problem? I guess that was my thought then, as I continued to consume and devour much sugar in the foods it could be added to; tea, pap, “garri” and more.
Whatever it is, it had to be sweet. In the case where I wasn't the one with the responsibility to add sugar to the food, and then sufficient sugar was already added, I would need an addition. As said, I wasn't seeing the effects so there was no problem. And when I had charge to add sugar myself, you can't expect less. This was the case. It has to be sweet or nothing less. Since it wasn't hurting or affecting anyone, nor would it do so, this was an encouragement to continue.
I've not talked about how taking soda wasn't a problem for me. I won't say I was addicted to it, but I took it when I had the means to or when I wished, without any restraint. I was discussing with a friend some time back. In the discussion, I was lamenting on the effects of smoking and why there's a need to curtail it for the sake of the effects on smokers. My friend brought up the case of too much sugar intake that we indulge in, especially through soda consumption. I was trying to compare, weighing the effects of smoking as more devastating.
Well, I knew such sugar intake was bad, but it isn't that bad like other things, right? This is where the problem lies. Whatever we find to be wrong, it should be treated as such. No weighing scale should matter, no comparison should be played. That was something I learnt. Now, I try my best to stay away from sugar in its raw form or in the form of soda. I take it in moderation or avoid it in some cases. It's coming off well, I'll say.
