I try to work out twice a week. I don't restrict myself from any

In the vast and ever-shifting seas of life, we are often faced with the call to balance—to find harmony between our desires, our efforts, and our natural inclinations. The words of Sara Sampaio, "I try to work out twice a week. I don't restrict myself from any food in my diet; I think it's all about balance. I'm also very lucky with my genetics and metabolism," resonate deeply with the ancient wisdom passed down through generations. For in her words lies not just a personal routine but a truth as old as time itself: the path to a fulfilled life is not one of extremes, but of moderation, where strength and indulgence coexist in a sacred harmony.

The ancients understood the importance of balance, for it was the core principle of their very existence. The philosopher Aristotle, in his pursuit of virtue, spoke of the golden mean—the idea that true wisdom lies not in excess or deprivation, but in finding the middle ground. He taught that to live a life of virtue was to recognize the importance of temperance, of knowing when to indulge and when to restrain. To follow the path of balance was to engage in life fully, but with the wisdom to moderate one's actions, to know that excess in either direction could lead one astray. Sampaio’s approach echoes this ancient wisdom, for she neither restricts herself from pleasure nor abandons her physical well-being; instead, she chooses a balanced path, guided by the understanding that both effort and enjoyment are essential.

In the story of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, we see the roots of this balance in his philosophy of health. Hippocrates believed that the body was a temple and that to care for it required not just medicine but a deep understanding of nature’s rhythms. He did not prescribe harsh restrictions or fasting as the path to wellness; instead, he advocated for a balanced approach to life, where moderation in food, exercise, and rest would nurture the body’s innate ability to heal itself. It was this approach that laid the foundation for centuries of medical thought, teaching us that health is not a battle against nature but a partnership with it. Sampaio’s own words, in a modern context, reflect this timeless principle: that the key to well-being lies in a harmonious balance between effort and indulgence.

Yet, there is another layer to Sampaio’s statement: her acknowledgment of genetics and metabolism. While many in the pursuit of fitness and beauty focus solely on physical effort and dietary control, Sampaio recognizes the privilege that her body has in terms of natural predispositions. This humility in acknowledging the role of genetics is reminiscent of the Stoic philosophers like Epictetus, who taught that we must accept what is beyond our control and focus our efforts on what lies within. To fight against nature, to struggle against the gifts we are given, is to waste energy in vain. The Stoics understood that true strength lay in accepting one’s nature and working within it, not against it. Sampaio’s openness to the role of genetics reflects this Stoic wisdom, reminding us to be grateful for our natural gifts and to use them wisely rather than trying to control what we cannot.

The lesson here is clear: balance is the key to a well-lived life. Whether in the realms of health, happiness, or achievement, moderation allows us to move forward with grace, strength, and resilience. It is not in denying ourselves the pleasures of life, nor in overindulging, but in recognizing when to give and when to hold back. Just as the ancient gardener knows when to water the plant and when to let the sun do its work, so must we understand when to put in effort and when to allow ourselves rest. Through balance, we align with the natural forces of the world, creating harmony between our desires and our actions.

In our own lives, we must strive to balance the various elements that make us whole—our bodies, minds, and spirits. Let us not fall into the trap of extremes, but instead, let us cultivate an approach to life that honors the wisdom of moderation. Whether it is in our work, our relationships, or our health, let us seek a balance that nourishes all aspects of our being. Just as Sampaio acknowledges the role of effort, pleasure, and genetics in her life, so too should we recognize the unique combination of factors that contribute to our own well-being and success.

May we, like the ancients, understand that the path to true happiness and health lies in balance, and that through moderation, we not only honor our bodies but also our spirits. Let us walk the middle path, neither overburdened with restrictions nor lost in indulgence, but guided by the wisdom that comes from understanding the rhythms of nature and the balance of all things. In this, we will find peace, strength, and fulfillment.