Flavored Water

I'll never forget the first time I attended an NA meeting

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A random weeknight in the dead of winter.  I found myself sitting along the back wall of a church basement on a hard beige folding chair, wishing I drank coffee

The meeting soon came to order, and for the next hour, I quietly listened, as people from every walk of life told stories.  They told stories of heartache as well as celebration, of the urge to use, and their often difficult relationships with friends and family

(the list goes on .. )

What struck me more than anything was their honesty.  There wasn't a hint of judgment or pretense, a sheer determination to live in the moment.

“This is who I am and where I am right now.  I may not be perfect, but I'm going to do my level-best today to be just a little bit better.”

During every meeting, time is carved out to celebrate sobriety.  Colored coins or keychains are given to mark the milestones.

That night I watched him walk to the front of the room, the coin slipped into his pocket, a white keychain quietly handed to me as he sat back down beside me

“White, Mom is the international color of surrender.  It's given to anyone who comes to their first meeting, is back after relapse, or simply wants to give up their old ways for new.

Thanks for coming to support me.”

The shiny gold letters read

“Just For Today”

Photo Credit: aacleve.org

I pulled it out and hung it in my office today

I have a feeling I'm going to need it this week as I embark on a new challenge.  This time not as a coach, but as a participant in Mark MacDonald's 8-Week Run.  Though I lead a healthy lifestyle already, there's always room for improvement

A year or so ago, I was in the best shape of my life and on my game.  I thought it's ok to have this treat every now and again, or maybe I won't need to be as diligent.  Although my weight hasn't changed dramatically, my body comp sure has.

Time to be back after it.  It's fun to be part of a group from whom success stories for his upcoming book will be drawn from

(Much more to come)

In the meantime, it's day two of detox.

Among the long list of no-nos?  Caffeine and sugar.  At the top of the yes list, of course, is water

I've always thought it boring, drinking it more because I know I should, rather than something to be enjoyed.  That is until I walked into my coach's house one evening last week.  On her counter sat the most beautiful glass container, filled with water, ice, fruit, and herbs

One drink and I was hooked

She passed along her recipes, and now these beautiful containers grace our kitchen as well.  A different flavor every day and is the goal to drink through the container by the end of the day – 100 oz (just shy of a gallon)

It seems like a lot

“Just for today, Mom.  Only focus on this one day.  It's all we really have anyway.”

My keychain is with me.  I know how much better I'll feel.  I want to be the best I can be.  The awful feelings of withdrawal won't last forever.  Ibuprofen is a friend

Enjoy!

xoxo

ps:  Life lesson #6789 – A husband whose wife gives up sugar and caffeine (at the same time!) is worthy of incredible respect.

pps:  The following two recipes have been our favorites to date.

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~ Adapted from Why Should I Drink More Water