Two weeks ago I was challenged to give up something I’m addicted to for two weeks by Now Pensions. I could have gone down the obvious route and given up smoking for two weeks, but given that I have cut down drastically but am not yet ready to quit completley (in time, in time) I didn’t wish to inflict that upon anyone just yet.

So I went for my second big weakness; Diet Coke. I am rarely seen without a bottle or can on my person and the money I spend on it is shocking. But needs must, with the promise of a donation to a charity of my choice (B-eat for those interested) I was determined to give it a shot.

And how was it?
For the most part, not too bad. I did seek alternatives; Dr Pepper Zero was a favourite, but my consumption was far, far less and as most shops only stock Diet Coke/Pepsi I couldn’t waste money so freely on picking up a bottle or two on a lunchbreak or random jaunt.
I think the toughest times were the times I was out for a meal/snack. Sparkling water became my friend much to my tastebuds disgust and my skins rejoice. And then there was the time a popular fast food establishment wouldn’t serve me a coffee because they had no lids and I had to practically beg and swear on my life that not a single drop would be spilt before it was carried over to our table at a snail’s pace.

I didn’t slip however, and yesterday, once the two week’s was up I cracked open a can and savoured the sparkles.

Will I be giving it up for good?
Well, no…
but it was an interesting experiment and I will be making a concerted effort to keep my consumption minimal; I don’t need it as much as I thought I did, and the extra cash in my pocket is best kept there for other treats!

Have you ever given something up for a set period of time? How did you find it?

And for those rolling their eyes and sending me to hell for my nicotine habit, I’m looking to take part in Stoptober with a view to quitting for good….anyone with me on that?!

xxx

As I mentioned in a previous post or two, yesterday was tattoo day! It didn’t exactly go to plan; Ellie and I were booked in at the tattoo studio in my home town where I’ve been twice before without problem. This time however the tattoist failed to turn up, it had been open in the morning, but when we arrived we found it closed up and no-one could contact the chap. We waited an hour but cut our losses and phoned some other places and ended up racing over to Weston-Super-Mare to Dino’s Tattooist who welcome walk-ins and informed us if we could be there by 4:15pm they’d see us no problems.
As is often the way with Ellie and I, this worked amazingly in our favour. We could not have picked a nicer place to go, with a warm friendly atmosphere and multiple artists working. Sorry local chap, you lost a lot of money and two potentially regular customers…Dino’s is where it’s at!

I had the words “Mind Over Matter” inked on to my left foot. I’m going through a massive period of change right now, one I’ve attempted many times before and never managed to see through. This time feels so right and so different and this phrase is something that has kept me going. Now I have a constant reminder that no matter how impossible it may sometime seem, I can do this, I WANT to do this and there are better and incredbily exciting times ahead.
Eventually I’d like to get my whole foot designed around it, hence the placement. I’m thinking something involving Daisies, but that will be one for the future.

I’m making a point to celebrate every small achievement right now…and I’ve surprised myself at just how many of those there have been.

I am so excited for the rest of my life.

((Yeah, this is one of those cryptic deep and meaningful posts, but many of you will know what it’s all about))

I’d also like to once again thank everyone for the support and cheerleading, especially my long-suffering twitter followers. You are amazing.
Actually, I could write an Oscar speech worthy list of thank yous right now.

What words do you live by?

xxx

P.S. Do you have any idea how hard it is to photograph your own foot? Apologies for the bruised and bloody look of it, I’m limping around like a trooper!