Temptation

Temptation
temp·ta·tion
/tempˈtāSHən/
Noun
A desire to do something, esp. something wrong or unwise: "he resisted the temptation to call Celia"; "we gave in to temptation".
A thing or course of action that attracts or tempts someone: "the temptations of life in New York".
Synonyms
seduction - enticement - allurement - lure - bait

Like most human feelings, temptation can have a bad rap.
There is a kernel, a nugget of temptation in every desire 
at the very beginning.
The lure of something unknown, the desire for something other than
what is in front of you, ohhhhh tempting......

Then the judgement comes in.
It started with the temptation of Adam and Eve.
That is where it got its bad reputation. 
They were tempted by the apple, something new and unknown,
and gave up everything good in their lives,
that's quite a message!

You use the word temptation for wanting that second cupcake,
for desiring your friends husband,
for the thoughts of quitting your job and moving to Italy.
But if you removed the judgement,
temptation is still giving you information, feedback,
on your wants,
on your deepest desires,
taking your temperature on where you stand.
And THAT is what life is all about!

Seeing something that you want, and realizing what 
needs to change in order to move in that direction.
Now your intellect and wisdom and character 
will also give you feedback on how to proceed.
There really is not a black and white,
clear cut , right or wrong way to go.

A second cupcake won't hurt anyone.
It is probably not a good idea to go after your friends husband,
but with that feedback, that temptation,
you realize you are not satisfied with your own
romantic situation.
As far as quitting and moving to Italy...

Some of the most amazing, messy, life altering,
crazy great, transformational experiences
have started with the phrase:
" You know...I' m really tempted to just...