What did you give up?

Today’s Ash Wednesday, which means the start of giving something up for many people. I started a little early this year, at another point where many people decide to fast or give something up: New Year. A couple of weeks ago, in early January, I decided to sign up for the Chicago Triathlon this coming August. I was motivated by my new bike and by a new gym membership. But more importantly, I was motivated by trying to be healthy and by simply feeling good.

I am not training because I signed up for the triathlon, I signed up for the triathlon because I wanted to train. And now, just two months into the training I feel a lot better already.

I also had to change my diet. I am not on a strict diet, but I mostly gave up potato chips and soft drinks and I am forcing myself to eat at least two pieces of fruit per day. And water, who knew it could taste so good. I’ll still have a piece of cake, a donut or other unhealthy snack every once and a while, and I even had McDonald’s this past Sunday. But since I am not used to eating it anymore, it just doesn’t taste quite as good as I used to think.

Now I can easily turn this into a metaphor to apply this to public relations or cultural affairs, but that’s really not the point. And changes start with yourself anyway. I am just happy to have a renewed sense of wellbeing and energy.