So I’m back on the wagon again after falling off hard late last summer. The health wagon that is. I had quit smoking for nearly a year last August when for some stupid reason I decided to buy a pack and smoke in secret! I’ve gotta say there is no better cigarette in the world than the forbidden cigarette. I felt like a teenager hanging out of my bedroom window with a towel against door. Of course, I was hooked again after just a couple of indulgences and one secret pack turned into several secret packs….then I didn’t even bother keeping it a secret anymore. Our copy writer here at the station, Art, who also has had a lot of experience quitting, said it best when he stated that ‘the self loathing is the worst!’ So true! I considered quitting on January 1st but that seemed way too trite! Also, I still had half a pack left and wasting is a sin right? So instead, I quit on January 19th. Who saw that coming? For anyone else who may feel discouraged about missing the Jan 1st deadline for New Year resolutions, I’ve got great news. Monday is Chinese New Year!!!
Start the year of the Ox off right. Here is your second chance to resolve to be a better version of yourself and you’ve got all weekend to find your motivation. If you’re quitting smoking, like me, visit http://www.cancer.ca/Canada-wide/Prevention/Quit%20smoking.aspx and download the quit smoking calculator. When you’re feeling desperate you can pull up your personalized quit smoking calculator and see not only how much money you’ve saved but how many hours, minutes and seconds you’ve added to your life. While money saved is a huge motivator for me, increasing my cardio endurance is my golden ring this time around! Part of getting back on the wagon for me includes dusting off my long abandoned gym membership card. The longer I can go without smoking, the longer I will be able to go without collapsing into a crumpled heap at the foot of the elliptical machine.
Motivation is really just a small part of making big lifestyle changes though. There is a saying that I repeat to myself over and over again in my weaker moments and I’ll share it with you right now. Motivation is what gets you started, but habit is what keeps you going! If this post has motivated you to make a Chinese New Year resolution, tell me about it. I’d love to hear any tips and tricks you might have for staying on track.
I’d wish you good luck but I think it might be more helpful if I wish you good habits instead!