I wrote on Facebook that I am giving up soda and stupid computer games. Why is it when we know something is stupid to do, we do it anyway? I have a million reasons to give up these things, and have known them for a long time, but am committed to doing it now, finally.
For me, it was Diet Coke. (See how I did that just there? Past tense. Affirming that it is not a problem for me.)
Ok let's see... High fructose corn syrup, articial everything, gets you even more addicted to sweets (oh yea, an afternoon candy bar went hand in hand, literally), not to mention the money I was wasting, (oh wait, I mentioned that) and the awful cycle of staying up late because I'm hyped up on caffeine and then gotta have caffeine in the morning because I didn't sleep well... There's also some issues I'm having with my health that STUDIES have shown the diet sodas actually EXACERBATE. But to my defense, can I just say BOTH of my doctors (one for depression, a different one for chronic vertigo) told me the studies weren't conclusive, and it really wasn't a big deal and I could go on drinking it. Hello! Doctor?!! Why oh why did you just give me a free pass on something with no health value at all when I was working on knocking it off? I do take full credit for my own choices and actions, but come on!!
And the games? Well, here's the thing. I've never been one to play dumb, mindless games. On the rare occasion I'm going to spend time like that, I will do mind-bender type games or sudoku or crosswords... Stuff where you actually have to think. But I check out the games my kids play to, you know, check on them. Usually I roll my eyes, thank the stars above that they are just dumb and not X-rated and carry on.
But this one was so stinking' CUTE. And the company updated every dang week so every time I tried to NOT spend so much time on it, well there was something new!! My son is a missionary for our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his letters are full of great spiritual strength and constant reminders to read scripture and pray and truly come to know the Savior and His Spirit. That sweet admonition has really been tugging at my little soul lately. The five minutes here and there on that dumb game... Well five minutes of whispered prayer gives me great strength and insight. And the scriptures are just as easily accessed on my iPad as the game was. MUCH better use of a few minutes here and there.
I know it is the Spirit that whispers to me, "You can do this. It's time." (Actually I think it is way past time, but the Spirit is very nice.)
Yesterday was my first day without soda or the game. It's the third time I've deleted the game, and I can't begin to count how many times I've tried to give up the coke. I work next door to a convenience store, so this is quite a challenge on all kinds of levels.
But I'm ready for day 2.
