I used to love Cokes. Occasionally I’d drink Dr. Pepper, Sprite, or even Pepsi, but Coke was my lifeline. I’d guess I used to drink at least a bottle or two a day. Since I have always hated coffee, Coke provided that caffeine for me.
I write about Cokes in the past tense because as of yesterday, December 20, 2009, I have been without a Coke for 2 years. It doesn’t sound like much, considering Ed has been sober for 25 years, but it’s a big thing for me. This time in 2007, I just finally decided that Cokes had no redeeming value (hey, even ice cream has calcium!) and no telling what the high-fructose was doing to me, so I quit cold-turkey.
Standing here in 2009 and looking back, I can’t believe I managed to do it. I understand one of the difficulties in giving up cigarettes, because I now have to drink something else with fast food, with pizza, first thing in the morning, and all the other times Coke was by my side.
The older I get, the more excited I become when I do something or overcome something that I just knew I couldn’t do or overcome. You’d think by age 55 I would know more of myself and my capabilities, but I’m constantly learning. Of course, I have a ton of bad habits and personal weaknesses to work on - but to say that in December 2009 I’ve been without Cokes for 2 years? That brings a smile to my face!
I think I’ll celebrate - with a Coke! (Just kidding!)
5 comments:
How exciting! It is so hard to deny ourselves that which we enjoy and you have made a choice to empower yourself.
I was thinking a few days ago about all the little things I give myself 'permission' to eat or drink.
I rationalize my way through a lot of fat, sugar, and calories that soon add up to more than I had bargained.
Thanks for the inspiration. There are many potential areas for improvement in 2010, the question is, where to start? I am going to pray on that one.
I gave up cigarettes four years ago on Jan. 12. I feel so freed.
Merry Christmas, Carol.
Thanks for the sweet thoughts and empathy. Ellen, I'd love to know what you decided. We have one more week for those resolutions! LOL Cuidado - congratulations! That's a remarkable achievement - I hear it is one of the hardest things to do!
I have decided to make my 2010 goal lowering my cholesterol. That allows me to focus on both diet and exercise on multitude of levels. Being focused on lowering my cholesterol will help me make smarter food and drink choices as well as have a reason to get more exercise. I hope it works!
What a great idea! Good luck to us all in the New Year!
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