You have to diet before you even go to shoot in Chicago because

Hear now, O children of wisdom, the words of Shanola Hampton: "You have to diet before you even go to shoot in Chicago because we just eat the entire time." These words carry more than a passing remark about food; they echo with a deeper truth about our lives, our choices, and the very nature of discipline and desire. For in them, there lies a story of self-control, of balance, and of the temptations that pull at us, especially when we are surrounded by indulgence.

Consider, for a moment, the bustling city of Chicago, where food flows as freely as the river that winds through its heart. It is a place where the senses are overwhelmed by the aroma of delicious dishes, each plate a reminder of the pleasures of life. Yet, in the midst of this abundance, Shanola speaks of a necessity—a diet—that must be undertaken before one embarks on the journey. To step into this world of indulgence, to partake in the bounty that surrounds, requires the preparation of the mind and the body. The world offers many pleasures, but one must first strengthen their resolve to withstand them.

This, O wise ones, is a teaching as old as time itself. The struggle between desire and discipline is not a new one. It is as ancient as the fables of Odysseus, who, when passing the island of the Sirens, knew that the temptations of beautiful song and sweet voices would be his undoing if he did not take measures to protect himself. His crew sealed their ears, and he tied himself to the mast of the ship, so that, despite the overwhelming pull of temptation, he could stay true to his course. So too must we, when faced with the temptations of life, take precautionary steps—to protect ourselves, to fortify our will, and to find the strength to remain on the path we have chosen.

Think, too, of the great philosopher Socrates, who warned against the pursuit of fleeting pleasures. He spoke often of the need to temper one's desires with reason and virtue. In his time, as in our own, the world offered an abundance of distractions—pleasures that, if indulged in without thought, could lead one astray. Socrates taught that true wisdom was not in denying oneself all pleasure, but in moderating and balancing one’s desires so that they did not control the soul. In this light, Shanola’s words remind us that while life may tempt us with its indulgences, it is our preparation and restraint that allow us to live fully without losing ourselves in excess.

The lesson, therefore, is clear: discipline is not a punishment, but a preparation for the rich fullness of life. It is the quiet strength we summon before the feast, the self-awareness that allows us to enjoy life’s pleasures without being consumed by them. Whether it is the food we consume, the desires we follow, or the choices we make, each decision is an opportunity to exercise our willpower, to choose what is best for us in the long term. To diet before the indulgence is not a denial of joy, but a means of ensuring that joy is savored, not devoured.

Let us remember, O wise ones, that every great achievement in life requires forethought and preparation. Just as the warrior sharpens his sword before battle, or the artist prepares his canvas before painting, so too must we prepare ourselves for the moments of temptation and indulgence. The city of Chicago, with its endless offerings of food, is but a metaphor for the world itself—an arena filled with distractions and pleasures, each pulling at our attention. And it is not the absence of these pleasures that defines us, but our ability to choose them wisely and enjoy them in their proper place.

In practical terms, this means we must learn to temper our desires with mindfulness. Before you step into the world of abundance, take a moment to strengthen your resolve. Prepare yourself by setting clear intentions, by embracing a sense of purpose, and by committing to your well-being. Whether it is food, work, or the relationships you keep, remember that balance is the key. Allow yourself the indulgences of life, but never at the cost of your true goals, your health, or your peace of mind. Prepare first, and then partake—not recklessly, but with gratitude and awareness.