Giving up IS hard to do - But hey, sometimes ya just gotta

Au Revoir carbs! Adiós diet sodas! It's Ash Wednesday which means that the day of sacrifice has arrived and I'm bidding farewell to you for at least the next 40 days. Although technically it's spread across 46 days because traditionally you are supposed to break and celebrate on Sundays. Either way, this is the beginning of new challenge.

In the days leading up to Lent, I thought long and hard about what sort of 'thing' I wanted to give up this year and believe me, there were PLENTY to choose from (apparently my list of vices seems to be running a bit on the long side as of late). I considered going several different routes with this. You know, like giving up alcohol for example. The thing is, I drink in moderation (for the most part) so I felt like it should be something that would REALLY push me. While I know that many of you feel the need to remind me that booze carry carbs, I should clarify that I am not EATING carbs. Drinking carbs is an entirely different boat and I plan to stay on board that one!

My ultimate decision to give up EATING carbs and sucking down diet sodas leads back to grad school and the incredibly unhealthy lifestyle I lead during that entire process. I consumed more caffeine, (wine-beer-whiskey), carbs, and chocolate than I possibly care to remember. I'm not beating myself up for it because at the time, it was the key to my survival. It was my comfort in a time where I thought that I might possibly lose my mind. They all stuck by me through nervous breakdowns and painful writing processes.

However, that's all over now. Somehow, I finished. Somehow, I survived. Somehow, I wrote my dissertation and I wrote it well...Really well. I'm graduating in July and I'm starting my life in London come August. With the torture (i.e. Grad school) in the past now and with so much to look forward to, I'm ready to rid my life of unnecessary and unhealthy habits.

So why not during Lent? It seems like the perfect opportunity to weed out those nasty bits of your life that plague you. It's a time of sacrifice and test of will power. A time to really focus on yourself and your inner strength. Ultimately this isn't just a sacrifice for me but also a stepping stone to a healthier and I imagine, much happier version of myself.



Peace, Love, & (Hold the) Chicken Grease


Beks