Everyone Has a Vice

Everyone has a vice, right?  It’s that unhealthy habit that you know you probably shouldn’t do.  But you enjoy it!  It may also give you comfort, get you through the day, or perhaps ease your stress or another negative emotion. 

I have a vice (or two).  I definitely love my coffee in the morning!  In fact, I may even go so far as to say I NEED my morning coffee.  I usually only have one (large) cup; but, beware, you may not want to talk to me until I've at least started sipping on that cup!  I am well aware that it is not a particularly healthy option – I know I get jittery if I drink too much, and I’m aware that if I drink it too late in the day that I won’t be able to sleep at night.  I’ve learned that exercise and meditation are healthier options to get energized and ready for the day.  However, I can’t help but prefer to start my day with a hot cup of coffee.  (Okay, so I may be a bit addicted to caffeine!) 

As my second vice, I am also a self-proclaimed stress eater.  Not only do I just plain enjoy the taste of food or the social aspect of eating out with a loved one or friend; I also find food to be a source of comfort when I feel out of balance.  As some of you may have noticed, I was obviously extra stressed about a year or two ago as I dealt with the fact that my first born child was graduating from high school and heading off to college.  While dealing with those emotions, I managed to gain a quite a few pounds, leaving me down right unhealthy and definitely overweight.  I am proud to say that I recently lost OVER 50 pounds (and still counting) and I am hoping to never go back to that unhealthy place again!

Some vices may simply be bad habits, while some can turn into actual addictions.  People can even become addicted to everyday things such as shopping, golfing (or any hobby), work or even exercise if done to extreme.  Video games, checking Facebook and binge-watching Netflix can be very addicting as well.  (Let’s turn off that technology!)  Ultimately, any habit can turn into an addiction if it interferes with your health, relationships or responsibilities, or otherwise causes you to lose control of what you know to be right.  Of course, eating a slice (or two) of your favorite pie, watching a whole season of something on Netflix, spending too much on that pair of shoes, or partying too hard on occasion are all perfectly normal … but we probably shouldn’t make a daily habit of these things. 

Of course, there are also the obvious addictions such as drugs, alcohol, smoking (or other tobacco use), gambling, etc.  Unfortunately, I am familiar with these types of addiction as well.  My dad was both an alcoholic and a heavy smoker.  He died from lung cancer at the age of 48.  I loved him … I did … but often I did not.  Alcohol addictions (and other addictions) can be hard on those addicted as well as on those who love them.  As I enter the mid-forties myself, I think about how, with hindsight, my father probably would have wanted to do things differently (for many reasons) and he would definitely have wanted his loved ones (or anyone reading this blog) to know that piece of his story and to heed this advice.

 

Maybe you know someone with an addiction. Maybe it's even you.  Maybe you simply think you have a vice or a habit – and maybe that is true.  But remember, many habits have the potential to become addictions.  It is better to nip a bad habit in the bud now before it is too late, right?

My husband was addicted to chewing tobacco for almost 20 years.  I am extremely thankful that he chose to quit 10 years ago.  It wasn’t easy!  He struggled … a lot.  He wanted to give up; and he was not an easy person to live with for a few months while he went through withdrawal.  But he did it, and I am very grateful! 

You can do it too!  As I aim to continue on my own weight loss and exercise journey,    please join me today in setting goals and making your health a priority.  Let go of your unhealthy habits.  Decide to deal with any negative emotions you may be trying to suppress or relationships you may be running away from.  If needed, have a conversation with a loved one, a friend, or even a doctor or counselor.  Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and it can be the first step to getting back to a healthy and happy you.  No excuses – let go of any denial.  If you don’t want to do this for yourself, then do it for your loved ones.  I am here to tell you that you can do it.  You do deserve to be healthy and happy!  You just have to take responsibility and decide to take the first step.  Although today may not be easy, tomorrow (or next month or next year) may be the best one yet!  I know you can be happy tomorrow if you heed my words of advice, today…