Yes, this ia a real day of celebration. It is the official day for anyone who is giving up on their New Year's resolution, or anything they are quitting for that matter. I would guess if that thing is a vice like alcohol, drugs or a more benign addiction, like Dunkin Donuts, this might be a good thing but it is not what we are talking about.
It Started with the Best of Intentions
This day was actually conceived because of the efforts of various health organizations and anti-smoking campaigns. Unfortunately it has morphed into a social media buffoonery of taunts, sarcastic cracks, and viral insults.
Today the day is marked by lauging at oneself or worse, others for giving up on their New Year's resolutions so quickly. It is a sign of the times, when gagging and humiliation, take the place of support or substanative celebrations.
Don't be that Guy or Gal
So, first of all I am going to encourage you not to quit, unless of course it is a harmful addiction and instead, start or renew your resolution right now. I am 8 years sober this last Christmas and I sure as hell ain't quitting what I quit to get here. I am also at a time in my life where the pressures of life are no fun, but I look at it this way…
Your Only Way Out is Not to Quit
…right? if you are stuck in a dead end job, don't quit, do your best every day while preparing and looking for something better. If you can't make something work like a business or a relationship, evolve and exhaust every positive move to make it work. Remember, your idea was awesome and you did fall in love at one time so find that spark again.
Exceptions to the Rule - Two sides to the Story
Obviously if you are in an abusive relationship, you have to first, recognize it and then take the most appropriate steps to extricate yourself from that situation. As I mentioned before I am 8 years sober and that was a great thing to quit, and of course the origins of the day are all about quitting smoking so that is a no brainer. Anyone who smokes is pretty dumb for not quitting. Your justifications are and will always be untenable.
I Love the Word Stoked
Find a way to get stoked or re-stoked about what you are doing, who you are seeing or how you are living. One of the best and most reassuring, encouraging, and empowering cornball sayings in existence is, “Today is the first day of the rest of your life.” It implies that you can start over at any time. So why not throw out all the garbage thoughts in your mind, focus on an enticing and engrossing next step and then… and here is the real trick to success – Take It!
