meaningfuel

On May sixth 2023, the UK celebrates the coronation of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey. There will be 1000 years of customs, splendour and pageantry on show.

All the symbolism, metaphors and division will become insignificant for a few moments.

A man will become a King.

The Archbishop of Canterbury will ‘invite’ the people of the realm to pledge allegiance to our new King. Some see this as a ‘tone deaf’ demand, out of touch with the world we now live in. Others are prepared to swear it “so help me God”.

I’ll let others debate with each other the viability of such a pledge. I know what I’ll do.

A more pressing question for the times we live in, before our country, our monarchs, our leaders in high places: Do we need to pledge allegiance to ourselves?

1.be honest

It can be easy to find yourself existing in a realm of self-deception. It can feel comfortable most of the time. Being honest to ourselves ensures we have self awareness of our current state and what we want for the future. This can be fitness goals, relationships, career paths; anything that we want to change or grow.

2.build your relationships

Happiness can stem from somebody else. But it shouldn’t depend on somebody else. A partnership can be a prosperous kingdom but it takes time to build. Invest time in to your relationships. Beyond a partner, your family can play as much or as little of a support role as you choose.

3. burn your passions

It takes energy to keep the flame alive. You get that energy back tenfold when you’ve achieved something you are proud of. Embrace your hobbies, your side-hustles and your arts or find something new to enjoy. Keep pushing, keep learning, stay stimulated. It’s too easy at the end of a workday to give up and settle. That is not your purpose in this realm.

4. care for your body

Every other pledge has a degree of flexibility; you only have one body. Care for it. Use it. Move it. Not everything has to be a HIIT workout, set realistic goals to move more. Since I discovered the step-count on my phone, I check it regularly and try to better the previous week. Fuel the body with good food choices and hydration. Indulge and enjoy food but on terms that you and your body can live with.

5. rule your world

There’s too many cliches about your kingdom already. Look out for the world around you. Take a minute to appreciate what it has given us. Don’t defy making small changes because it’s someone else’s problem. Walk more. Have a paperless desk policy. Buy a reusable water bottle. See where you can make a minute difference and own it.

Pledge allegiance to yourself.

There are almost infinite promises you can make to yourself. You are going to break them once in a while. The pledges you make should be guidelines to improve aspects of your life over time. We are all human, even our new King. Charles III has waited 74 years to reign, he’s no stranger to patience.