Mainely Martha

As we rollover into a new year, there are resolutions made with the willing hopefulness to make changes. And many of these changes involve what we eat and drink. And all is good when we feel empowered to choose to make these changes. But what about the changes we do not choose???

There are habits we each have: the good, the bad and the benign that we may never consider changing. And then, out of the blue, just as 2018 was coming to a close…your daily coffee house announces they will be closing in a just a few short days. And yes, these things happen all of the time and we just need to adapt. But this “small thing” of my coffee changing after 23 years is more than the coffee itself, it is also a daily routine that has changed.

So, regardless of planned or unplanned changes for the new year, it is a time to embrace the possibilities. It is an opportunity to imagine of my morning routine can improve in my quest to find my new cup of joe or begin to embrace the variety of tea options. In many ways, the routine of my mornings; work days, weekends and even holidays has revolved around my trip to the coffee house. So, while I look to replace my coffee stop, I have the opportunity to re-design my mornings. Additionally, as this change has been forced upon me, it leaves no room for resistance. There is no fight to hold on to the old; the only option is to look forward and hope for better.

And although this change was not planned, many are embarking on thoughtful, planned changes. And while this too is significant work, the bright side is that it typically takes just two weeks to develop a new habit. So weather it is the “simple” change in coffee or a bigger challenge of removing sugar, carbs or processed foods from your diet that you may have resolved to do this year, just remember…two weeks. Really not that long to start a new habit and with the new habit, your tastes will change and before you know it, the change will not seem like work. The habit and/or taste will become routine and hopefully enhance life in the manner in which was envisioned.

So, embrace change and best of luck to all that are taking steps to change what they eat and the habits that are associated with this. I am hopeful these changes are the beginning steps to new habits.

Happy New Year!

“When you can’t change the direction of the wind – adjust your sails.” – H. Jackson Brown, Jr.